GIFT  OF 
SEELET  W.  MUDD 

and 

GEORGE  I.  COCHRAN     MEYER  ELSASSER 
DR.  JOHN  R.  HAYNES    WILLIAM  L.  HONNOLD 
JAMES  R.  MARTIN         MRS.  JOSEPH  F.  SARTORI 

to  the 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
SOUTHERN  BRANCH 


JOHN  FISKE 


UNIVERSITY  of  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 
LIBRARY 


THE 


ENCHANTED  LAKE 


OF  THE 


FAIRY  MORGANA. 

"B 


FROM  THE  ORLANDO  INAMORATO  OF 
FRANCESCO  BERNI. 


NEW-YORK: 

PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  ISAAC  RILEY  AND  CO. 


1806. 


3420     2 


f  >  o?  TJ] 

Ne  A'-York,  5  '  IJ  twendeth  day  of  May,  in  the  thirtieth  year 
of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  RICHARD 
ALSOP,  of  jhe  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  Office,  the 
Title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Author,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Enchanted  Lake  of  the  Fairy  Morgana,  from  the  Or- 
"  lando  Inamorato  of  Francesco  Berni." 


IN  CONFORMITY  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  entitled  "  An  Act  for  the  Encouragement  of  Learning, 
"  by  securing  the  Copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  Au- 
"  thors  and  Proprietors  of  such  Copies,  during  the  time  therein 
"  mentioned." 

EDWARD  DUNSCOMB, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  New-York, 


3 


E5A5 


P  R  E  F  A  C 


X  HE  Orlando  Inamorato,  from  which  the  fol 
lowing  beautiful  allegorical  story  is  taken,  is  one 
of  the  most  celebrated  poems  of  Italy  and  rivals  in 
popularity  the  Furioso  of  the  immortal  Ariosto. 

This  singular  production  was  originally  written  by 
Matteo  Maria  Boiardo,  count  of  Scandiano,  a  place 
dependent  on  the  dutchyof  Ferrara,  and  published  in 
1496,  two  years  after  the  death  of  its  author.  Though 
Boiardo  is  admitted  to  have  possessed  an  uncommon 
brilliancy  of  imagination,  and  a  happy  talent  for  in 
vention,  yet  his  work  appears  to  have  been  little 
more  than  a  compilation  (principally  from  the  fabu 
lous  chronicle  of  Turpin)  of  the  various  popular  tales 
relative  to  the  Paladins,  or  peers  of  Charlemagne,  con 
nected  and  enlivened  by  additions  of  his  own  invention, 
and  rendered  in  some  degree  conducive  to  the  general 
action,  or  actions  of  the  poem.  It  is,  however,  princi 
pally  indebted  for  its  high  reputation  to  the  labours  of 
FR  A  N  c  E  s  c  o  BE  R  N  i  ,a  cotemporary  of  Ariosto,who  im 
proved  and  polished  the  style,  harmonized  the  versifi- 


IV 


cation,  added  many  stanzas  and  moral  reflections,  and 
as  the  title  expresses,  recast  it,  and  has  thus  con 
verted  the  rude  structure  of  Boiardo  into  a  magnifi 
cent  Gothic  edifice,  which  cannot  fail  of  impressing 
the  mind  with  wonder  and  delight,  though  the  com 
ponent  parts  are  deficient  in  proportion,  and  frequent 
ly  exhibit  a  strange  and  discordant  mixture  of  mate 
rials. 

This  poem  is  of  great  length,  consisting  of  three 
books,  subdivided  into  numerous  cantos.  Its  prin 
cipal  subject  is  the  achievements  of  the  celebra 
ted  Orlando,  performed  for  the  love  of  Angelica, 
daughter  of  Galaphron  king  of  Cathay,  and  the  adven 
tures  of  the  most  renowned  Paladins  and  distinguished 
Saracen  knights,  whose  names  are  rendered  familiar 
to  the  reader  of  English  poetry  by  Mr.  Hoole's 
well-known  version  of  Ariosto.  It  contains  three 
distinct  epic  actions  ;  the  siege  of  Albracca,  by 
Agrican  king  of  Tartan7,  a  rejected  suitor  of  Angeli 
ca — the  invasion  of  France  by  Gradasso,  king  of 
Sericana,  in  order  to  obtain  Rinaldo's  horse  and  the 
sword  of  Orlando  ;  and  lastly,  that  of  the  same  country 
by  Agrimant,  emperor  of  Africa,  and  Marsilius,  king 
of  Spain.  This  last  adventure  constitutes  the  princi 
pal  subject  of  the  Furioso  of  Ariosto,  who  has  con 
tinued  and  brought  it  to  a  conclusion  from  the  Inamo- 


rato,  in  which  it  is  left  imperfect.  These  different  ac 
tions  are  interspersed  with  a  great  variety  of  separate 
adventures  and  stories  in  the  manner  of  the  Furioso, 
but  less  connected  with  the  principal  subject,  and 
much  more  extravagant  than  those  contained  in  that 
work. 

Though,  considered  as  a  poem,  the  Inamorato  is,  in 
every  respect,  far  inferior  to  the  Furioso,  yet  it  is  cer 
tainly  a  very  interesting,  and  it  may  be  truly  added  a 
fascinating  production.  Its  style,  variety  of  adven 
tures,  allusions  to  common  life,  mixture  of  comic 
humour,  occasional  display  of  vulgar  manners,  and 
even  its  extravagance,  are  admirably  adapted  to  ren 
der  it  a  favourite  with  the  people. 

Were  this  poem  possessed  of  no  other  recommen 
dation,  than  that  of  giving  rise  to  the  Furioso,  and 
having  served  as  a  model  in  many  respects  to  the  ini 
mitable  Cervantes,  (who  has  frequently  copied  with 
the  happiest  success,  the  burlesque*  style  of  Berni,)  it 
would  well  deserve  the  attention  of  the  classic  reader. 
But  the  merit  of  the  Inamorato,  is  not  merely  rela 
tive.  The  great  variety  of  incident  and  wonderful 

*  It  may  not  be  impertinent  here  to  observe,  that  the  burlesque 
style  derived  its  appellation  from  Bemi,  who  first  employed  and 
perfected  it,  being  originally  called  the  Berniscan,  and  afterwards 
by  corruption  the  burlescan,  whence  our  English  word  burlesque 


VI 


adventure's  which  it  contains,  cannot  fail  of  pleasing 
all  who  delight  in  fiction.  Many  of  the  stories  are 
interesting,  and  happily  told,  the  descriptions  are 
brilliant,  sometimes  sublime,  and  often  display  great 
beauty  of  imagery,  and  felicity  of  expression.  The 
prognostics  of  the  storm,  previously  to  the  sailing 
of  Rodomonte  from  Africa,  the  tempest  itself,  and 
the  demeanour  of  that  daring  chieftain,  are  delineat 
ed  with  a  masterly  hand,  and  would  not  suffer  by  a 
comparison  with  some  of  the  best  descriptions  in 
poetry.  It  must  be  acknowledged,  however,  that  the 
images  are  often  low  and  disgusting,  the  stile  fre 
quently  mean  and  vulgar,  and  that  the  retorts  of  the 
heroes,  appear  to  partake  more  of  the  low  buffoon 
ery,  and  coarse  invective  of  Lazzaroni,  than  the 
courtly  stile  of  chivalry. 

'  But  it  is  not  the  intention  of  the  translator  of  the 
following  tale,  to  enter  into  a  critical  examination  of 
the  merits  of  the  Inamorato ;  some  account  of  the 
poem  and  its  author,  appeared  to  him  requisite  to  be 
given,  and  he  has  only  to  observe  that  this  version,  not 
originally  intended  for  publication,  is  chiefly  designed 
to  give  some  idea  of  that  celebrated  and  singular 
poem,  and  is  the  first  specimen  of  equal  length,  he 
presumes,  that  has  hitherto  been  presented  to  the 
English  reader.  Though  the  entire  work,  is  not,  in 


Vll 


his  opinion,  susceptible  of  an  English  dress ;  he  pro 
poses,  should  this  be  received  with  approbation,  oc 
casionally  to  furnish  such  other  selections,  as  may 
appear  best  suited  to  the  public  taste. 

With  respect  to  the  stile  of  the  version,  the  trans 
lator  readily  acknowledges,  that  he  has  in  some  in 
stances  been  induced  to  imitate  that  adopted  by  the 
late  ingenious  Mr.  Way,  in  his  version  of  the  Fa 
bliaux,  which  from  the  occasional  introduction  of  an 
tiquated  words,  he  conceives  admirably  adapted  to 
this  species  of  composition,  and  best  suited  to  the 
genius  of  the  original. 

R.  A. 


ERRATA. 

Page  4  last  line  for  "  monster"  read  "  monsters." 

6    line  1 5  after  "  exclaimed"  insert  a  semicolon. 

—  9    line  13  after  "  shore"  dele  comma. 

— —  9    line  15  for  "  encircled  round"  read  "  fast  lock'd  around," 

.1          3 1  line  20  after  fled,  insert  a  comma. 

38  line    9  after  leaf,  insert  comma. 

line  17  for  «  strange"  read  "  strong." 

Page  55  line    2  of  the  poetry,  for  "  Profused"  read  u  Profuse*' 

57  line    1  before  "  shouldst"  read  «  but." 

— —  58  line  16  at  the  beginning,  for  "to"  read  "on.'* 

•  —  line  19  after  combat  insert  a  comma. 

*...  .  i  68  line  1 1  for  "  elegant"  read  "  excellent." 


Stifoenture  of  tlje  Safee. 


FROM   THE   SECOND    BOOK    OF   THE    ORLANDO    INAMORATO   OF 
FRANCESCO  BERNI. 


A  E  who  in  stories  of  romance  delight, 
The  spell-fram'd  monster  and  intrepid  knight, 
List  to  the  strange,  the  pleasing  tale  I  tell 
Of  what  the  Count  Orlando  erst  befel, 
When  he  th'abode  of  fam'd  Morgana  sought, 
And   such   high   deeds  and   proud   achievements 

wrought. 

When  now  Orlando  had,  as  late  was  seen, 
Destroyed  the  garden  of  Orgagna's  queen,(l) 
The  monsters  slain,  the  furious  giants  quell'd, 
Each  toil  surmounted  and  each  charm  dispell'd, 


2  THE  ADVENTURE 

He,  by  that  sorceress  fair  attended,  went 
To  free  the  captives  in  her  dungeons  pent, 
On  foot  he  far'd,  his  Brigliadoro  lost, 
And  many  a  plain  and  weary  mountain  cross'd. 
As  thus  they  pass'd,  conversing  on  the  way, 
Along  a  devious  road  they  chanc'd  to  stray, 
Whose  course  conducted  to  a  river's  side 
That  deep  and  silent  pour'd  an  ample  tide : 
A  bridge,  of  structure  strange,  o'er-arch'd  the  flood, 
On  which,  high-rais'd,  a  fence  of  iron  stood, 
Whose  midmost  part  a  narrow  wicket  show'd 
That  scarce  admittance  for  a  man  allow'd. 
Amidst  a  mead  with  gloomy  cypress  spread, 
Beyond  the  bridge  a  turret  rear'd  its  head; 
Around  the  mead,  slow-circling,  roll'd  the  tide, 
And  in  a  deep  dark  lake  expanded  wide. 
This  was  the  spot,  as  erst  you've  heard  me  tell,(2) 
Where  such  mishap  the  boldest  knights  befel, 
The  lake  in  which  had  Arridano  thrown 
The  two  brave  friends  and  Amon's*  valiant  son.  (3) 

*  Rinaldo. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  3 

Where  Dudon  since  an  equal  fate  had  found, 
In  vain  for  prowess  and  for  strength  renown'd, 
For  'gainst  that  robber's  force  no  strength  avail'd, 
The  bravest  knights,  the  strongest  champions  fail'd. 
The  arms  and  vestments  of  each  hapless  knight, 
By  him  or  pris'ner  made,  or  slain  in  fight, 
As  tokens  of  his  fame  and  their  disgrace, 
Proud  was  he  wont  amid  the  grove  to  place : 
High  o'er  the  rest  a  cypress'  trunk  display'd 
Rinaldo's  mantle,  arms,  and  beamy  blade. 
When  now  Orlando  and  the  sorceress  drew 
To  where  the  stream  and  bridge  appear'd  in  view, 
Pale  grew  her  face,  her  limbs  with  terror  shook. 
And  to  the  warrior  thus,  alarm'd,  she  spoke : 
'  O  valiant  knight,  since  cruel  fate  has  led 
1  Our  wand'ring  steps  this  fatal  path  to  tread, 

*  Since  o'er  us  both  destruction  hovers  near, 

'  Attend  my  words,  and  to  my  counsels  hear! 

*  Within  that  tower  a  murd'rous  robber  dwells, 
1  Who  all  in  deeds  of  villainy  excels. 

*  Whome'er  untoward  fortune  hither  brings 
4  In  yonder  lake  the  ruthless  villain  flings., 


4  THE  ADVENTURE 

*  Strength  more  than  human  the  charm'druffian  shares 
1  And  Arridano  is  the  name  he  bears. 

'  Beneath  the  waters  of  the  gloomy  lake 

*  A  far-fam'd  fairy  does  her  dwelling  make, 
'  Morgana  call'd,  who  erst,  by  magic's  aid, 

1  A  curious  horn  of  wond'rous  beauty  made ; 

*  Such  power,  'tis  said,  the  magic  horn  endued 

*  Whene'er  'twas  sounded  death  the  blast  ensued. 
'  Long  were  the  tale,  and  difficult  to  tell 

*  The  num'rous  victims  of  this  potent  spell :<— - 

*  Suffice  to  say,  a  knight  who  thither  came,(4) 
4  Unknown  to  me  his  country  or  his  name, 

1  The  bulls  subdued,  the  furious  dragon  slew, 
4  And  armies  springing  from  the  earth  o'erthrew. 

*  Enrag'd,  the  fairy  saw  her  charm  destroyed, 

4  The  boasted  charm  that  long  her  skill  employ'd, 

*  And  this  devis'd,  the  pride  of  magic  lore, 
'  A  spell  surpassing  all  e'er  known  before ; 

1  Against  its  force  all  human  strength  is  vain, 
'  Who  hither  comes,  comes  only  to  be  slain. 
1  Him  hopeful  to  destroy,  whose  pow'rful  arm 

*  Subdued  the  monsteuand  dispell'd  the  charm, 


OF  THE  LAKE.  S 

4  The  vengeful  fairy  form'd  this  plot,  should  e'er 
'  Chance  or  adventure  bold  conduct  him  here. 

*  For  this  the  mead,  the  lake,  the  bridge  she  wrought, 
'  For  this,  'midst  villains  infamous,  has  sought 

*  This  wretch  most  impious,  whose  unequall'd  crimes 

*  Would  shock  the  tenants  of  th'infernal  climes : 
'  Beneath  the  fairy's  gift,  secur'd  from  harms, 

*  The  caitiff  combats  in  enchanted  arms, 

*  And  such  the  wond'rous  spell,  his  force  in  fight 

*  Six  times  exceeds  his  adversary's  might. 

*  Then  since  all  human  prowess  here  is  vain, 

*  Nor  strength  however  great  the  conflict  can  sustain, 
'  Tempt  not  the  enterprize,  thy  death  'twill  be, 

'  And  mine  is  certain  when  depriv'd  of  thee: 

'  Our  hope  of  safety  sole  remains  in  flight, 

4  If  haply  we  have  scap'd  the  ruffian's  sight.' 

Smiling,  replied  the  knight. — *  Nought  here  below 

'  Can  make  me  turn ;  I  dread  no  human  foe. 

'  For  thee  my  heart  with  pity  glows  sincere, 

1  Thou  left  alone  a  timid  woman  here ; 

'  But  comfort  take  and  on  my  aid  depend, 

'  For  arms  and  courage  succour  sure  will  lend.' 


6  THE  ADVENTURE 

*  O  fly  sir  knight !  O  turn  from  death  away ! 

*  Thy  courage  here  in  vain  wouldst  thou  essay. 
4  Not  fam'd  Orlando  aught  could  here  avail; 

*  Here  Charlemain  and  all  his  court  would  fail. 

*  I  grieve  my  life  to  lose,  but  more  I  plain 

*  That  thou  a  noble  knight  should'st  here  be  slain; 
4  A  woman  I,  of  small  account  am  found, 

*  Thou,  courteous,  wise,  for  deeds  of  arms  renown'd.1' 
These  soothing  words,  accompanied  with  tears, 
With  feelings  not  unmov'd  Orlando  hears; 
Wav'ring  he  stands,  half-prompted  to  return, 
While  thoughts  conflicting  in  his  bosom  burn ; 

Till  o'er  the  bridge  Rinaldo's  arms  on  high, 

Fix'd  to  the  lofty  cypress,  caught  his  eye. 

The  arms  he  knew,  and,  weeping,  thus  exclaimed ; 

*  O  thou,  the  flower  of  knights,  of  champions  fam'd 

4  The  peerless  pride !  who  hath  thee  thus  disgrac'd  ? 
4  Who  hath  thee  slain  and  here  this  trophy  plac'd  ? 
4  By  arts  of  treach'ry  hast  thou  been  assail'd, 
4  As  else  against  thee  worlds  had  ne'er  prevaiPd. 
4  Lov'd  cousin  mine !  from  Paradise  O  hear, 
4  To  thy  Orlando  lend  a  pitying  ear ! 


OF  THE  LAKE.  7 

*  Though  late,  by  love  bewildering  led  astray,(5) 

*  In  passion  lost,  to  jealousy  a  prey, 

*  I  wrong'd  thy  worth  ;  tho'  'twixt  us  twain  arose 
'  From  causes  vain,  the  deadly  strife  of  foes, 

*  I  ever  held  thee  dear ;  with  tears,  I  own 

*  The  fault  was  mine,  and  mine  the  blame  alone  : 

*  Forgive  thy  friend,  and  charge  not  his  offence, 
f  To  wrant  of  love,  but  alienated  sense.' 

Orlando  thus  his  kinsman's  fate  deplor'd, 
And  grasp'd  his  shield,  and  drew  his  shining  sword, 
The  fated  sword,  'gainst  which  no  spells  avail, 
No  strength  of  arms,  no  charmed  helm  or  mail, 
Whose  virtue  such,  and  such  its  keenness  tried, 
'Twould  iron,  steel  or  adamant  divide, 
By  Falerina  wrought,  with  magic  skill, 
As  erst  I've  told,  the  Paladin  to  kill. 

By  grief  to  fury  wrought  the  knight  impell'd, 
On  to  the  bridge  his  course  impetuous  held, 
The  iron  barrier  broke,  in  pieces  hew'd, 
And  to  the  meadow  swift  his  way  pursued. 
Beneath  the  cypress,  Arridano  lay, 
And  on  Rinaldo's  spoils,  in  pleas'd  surveys 


8  THE  ADVENTURE 

Exulting  fix'd  his  eyes  : — When,  lo  !  the  knight 
In  hostile  guise  advancing,  met  his  sight; 
Surpriz'd,  his  massy  club  the  robber  took, 
Light  sprung  from  earth,  and  thus  fierce-threatening 
spoke  : 

*  Wretch,  whosoe'er  thou  art,  prepare  to  die ! 
1  Not  all  the  powers  in  Paradise  on  high, 

*  Thee  from  my  wrath  and  fury  can  defend, 

*  Nor  Trivigante,  or  Macon  here  befriend.* 

Furious  he  spoke,  and  aiming  from  above, 
With  both  his  hands  the  dreadful  mace  he  drove ; 
The  mace  descending  with  a  thund'ring  stroke 
Dash'd  the  strong  shield — the  shield  in  shivers  broke— 
In  wild  contortions  reels  the  knight  around, 
Stunn'd  by  the  blow,  and  falls  upon  the  ground. 
To  seize  him  quick  the  ruthless  villain  sped, 
Intent  to  plunge  him  in  the  wat'ry  bed, 
The  lake  wherein  full  many  a  knight  was  thrown, 
Of  rank  illustrious  and  of  high  renown. 
The  Count,  tho'  fallen,  still  was  undismayed ; 
As  stoop'd  his  foe,  he  whirl'd  the  fated  blade, 
In  vain  th*  enchanted  shield  oppos'd  the  stroke — 
Th'  enchanted  shield  it  cleft,  the  corslet  broke, 


OF  THE  LAKE.  9 

And  thence  descending  with  resistless  sway 

Rent  from  his  side  the  cov'ring  mail  away, 

And  slight  a  wound  impressed :   with  eyes  on  fire 

Wild  rag'dthe  giant  with  redoubled  ire, 

And  heav'd  the  mace  on  high — his  active  foe 

Light  threw  himself  aside,  and  'scap'd  the  menac'd 

blow, 

While  at  his  leg  a  stroke  transverse  he  made — 
The  club  descending  met  the  keen-edg'd  blade, 
Sheer  thro'  the  pond'rous  mace  the  falchion  went, 
And  to  the  ground  the  end  divided  sent. 
Loud  Arridano  roar'd,  like  some  wild  beast 
Reft  of  its  young  or  close  by  hunters  prest, 
And  furious  seiz'd  the  knight,  and  to  the  shore, 
With  falcon  speed  the  struo;q;linsr  champion  bore, 

S*friftcW 

And  with  him,  m  his  arms  encirclediround, 

A 

Plung'd  to  the  bottom  of  the  lake  profound  : 
Dash'd  by  the  pond'rous  fall  the  waters  rave, 
And  boils  in  eddies  white  the  closing  wave. 

No  longer  there  durst  Falerina  stay, 
But  wing'd  by  terror  speeds  her  flight  away, 


JU)  THE  ADVENTURE 

Like  some  thin  leaf  that's  shaken  by  the  wind, 
She  trembles,  starts,  and  often  looks  behind; 
Whatever  meets  -her  sight,  whatever  her  ear, 
In  all  she  deenis.the  dreaded  robber  near. 

Meantime,  in  cruel  grasp  together  strain'd, 
The  hostile  pair  the  lake's  deep  bottom  gain'd ; 
Thence  Arridano  bore  the  struggling  knight, 
In  vain  contending  'gainst  his  magic  might, 
All  might  surpassing.    Down  a  long  descent, 
Thus  clasp'd,  a  dark  and  miry  road  they  went; 
At  length,  emerging  from  the  dreary  way, 
A  mead  they  reach'd  with  flowers  and  verdure  gay 
Struck  with  the  scene  Orlando  lifts  his  eyes, 
And  sees  the  light  of  day  with  wild  surprise ; 
Soft  breath'd  the  air  around,  and  o'er  his  head 
The  magic  lake's  suspended  waves  were  spread, 

A 

While  from  above,  faint  gleaming  thro'  the  wave, 
The  sun's  mild  rays  an  added  beauty  gave. 
Three  miles  in  circuit  stretch'd  the  lovely  mead — 
Around  a  wall  of  purest  crystal  spread, 
Beyond,  a  little  verdant  mountain  rose, 
Rich  with  each  varied  flower  that  fragrant  blows. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  1*1 

The  ruthless  villain,  on  this  beauteous  plain, 
Was  wont  to  spoil  the  captives  he  had  ta'en. 
When  here  the  Count  Orlando  he  had  brought, 
With  ease  to  strip  him  of  his  arms  he  thought ; 
He,  like  the  rest,  discourag'd  deem'd  the  knight, 
Nor  longer  able  to  contend  in  fight. 
Fallacious  thought — far  else  had  fate  decreed! 
Scarce  from  his  iron  grasp  the  Count  was  freed, 
Scarce  found  himself  releas'd,  when,  undismayed, 
Fierce  on  his  foe  he  sprung  with  lifted  blade, 
The  giant's  helm  the  trenchant  weapon  found, 
The  enchanted  helm  it  cleft,  but  fail'd  to  wound. 
Nought  reck'd  the  robber  this — in  proud  disdain 
He  cried,  '  Thy  toil  is  here  but  labour  vain, 
1  Such  blows  might  serve  to  frighten  flies  away, 
'  But  for  this  one  a  hundred  I'll  repay.' 

He  said,  and  hurl'd  on  high  the  pond'rous  mace, 
Whose  force  had  shook  a  mountain  to  its  base  ; 
Aside  Orlando  leap'd — with  fruitless  aim, 
In  thunder  driven,  the  mace  descending  came, 
Deep  groan'd  the  solid  earth  beneath  the  stroke, 
The  mountain  echo'd  and  the  meadow  shook. 


12  THE  ADVENTURE 

Now  'twixt  the  twain  a  fiercer  strife  arose, 
With  deadlier  ire  inflam'd  the  battle  glows, 
This  cloth'd  in  strength  beyond  all  human  might, 
In  valor  that  excell'd  and  skill  in  fight : 
The  giant  wields  his  mace,  with  thundering  sound, 
Thick,  heavy,  fall  the  erring  blows  around ; 
In  vain  he  strikes,  for  still  his  wary  foe 
With  dext'rous  speed  eludes  the  coming  blow, 
Now  foins,  now  feints,  now  shifts  his  ground  and  tries 
Each  varied  stratagem  that  skill  supplies. 
Far  else  the  robber  fares — his  streaming  blood 
From  three  deep  wounds  effused  a  crimson  flood; 
At  length  the  knight  the  glad  advantage  spy'd 
And  drove  his  falchion  thro'  the  caitiflPs  side, 
Whose  life-blood  issuing  with  the  fleeting  breath, 
Writhing  he  fell,  extended  pale  in  death. 

Freed  from  his  foe  alone  the  Count  remain'd  ; 
Nought  else  of  life  the  silent  mead  contain'd ; 
Around  in  vain  his  anxious  eyes  are  thrown, 
He  sees  the  mountain  and  the  wall  alone 
Whose  ramparts  white,  the  mead  encircling  wide, 
All  access  to  the  flow'ry  mount  denied. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  13 

Cut  in  the  crystal  rock,  at  length,  he  found 
A  lofty  gate  with  sculptur'd  figures  crown'd, 
Of  rich  device  and  workmanship  most  rare, 
That  in  the  world  could  nought  with  it  compare. 
Thither  he  came,  and  entering  he  survey'd 
A  story  old,  with  wond'rous  art  portray 'd. 
Depicted  there  the  lab'rinth's  maze  appear'd, 
The  Minotaur  his  form  terrific  rear'd, 
There  Ariadne  bloom'd  in  beauty's  pride, 
While  Theseus  stood  attentive  at  her  side 
As  to  his  hands  she  gave  the  guiding  clue, 
And  taught  the  means  the  monster  to  subdue. 
With  gold  and  pearls  the  rich  mosaic  shin'd, 
And  ev'ry  gem  its  various  hues  combin'd; 
There  flam'd  the  topaz,  glow'd  the  ruby's  red, 
Its  prismy  rays  the  lucid  diamond  shed, 
The  mimic  sky  with  azure  sapphires  beam'd, 
And  in  the  verdure  bright  the  emerald  gleam'  d. 

But  little  heed  to  this  Orlando  paid, 
As  small  account  of  works  of  art  he  made  ; 
The  gate  he  left  and  downward  held  his  way, 
Where  thro'  the  hollow'd  rock  a  passage  lay — 


14  THE  ADVENTURE 

Along  the  dreary  grotto's  deep  descent, 
Four  miles  or  more,  a  road  obscure  he  went. 
At  length,  the  outlet  reach'd,  a  flood  of  light 
At  once  in  splendor  burst  upon  his  sight, 
Bright  as  the  mid-day  sun  the  radiance  glow'd, 
And  fair  each  object  round  illumin'd  show'd. 
A  river  near  him  roll'd  its  lucid  tide — 
Beyond  the  stream  a  plain  extended  wide, 
With  pearls  all  cover'd  and  with  jewels  gay, 
That  o'er  it  heap'd  in  vast  profusion  lay. 
Less  num'rous  shine  the  stars  in  winter  bright, 
When  purest  azure  decks  the  vault  of  night ; 
With  fainter  hues,  in  number  less,  the  flow'rs 
That  spring,  with  lavish  hand,  o'er  nature  pours. 
This  plain  Morgana's  secret  treasure  held, 
Her  countless  wealth  the  fairy  here  conceal'd, 
She  who  with  partial  hand  her  gifts  bestows, 
Riches  to  these  and  poverty  to  those. 
Amidst  th'  innumerous  gems  a  wond'rous  stone 
Far  o'er  the  rest  in  dazzling  lustre  shone, 
A  flame  of  fire  it  seem'd — from  this  the  lie;ht 

o 

Beam'd  wide  around  in  noon-day  splendor  bright. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  15 

A  narrow  bridge  the  stream  extended  o'er, 
Which  twenty  paces  stretch 'cl  from  shore  to  shore ; 
Fix'd  at  the  farther  end  an  image  stood 
Whose  iron-frame  a  man  in  armour  shew'd. 
As  near  Orlando  drew,  the  pass  to  try, 
The  image  rais'd  his  pond'rous  club  on  high — 
Arm'd  with  his  sword  advanc'd  th'  intrepid  knight, 
But  as  the  bridge  he  reach'd,  with  furious  might 
The  figure  dash'd  his  club — to  atoms  broke 
The  slender  structure  fell  beneath  the  stroke. 
Fix'd  to  the  ground,  the  knight  in  wonder  stood, 
When,  strange  to  tell,  slow-rising  from  the  flood, 

In  the  same  spot  another  bridge  appear'd, 
f 
And  o'er  the  wave  its  magic  structure  rear'd  : 

Again  he  fearless  tries  the  pass  to  gain, 
Again  th'  attempt  the  image  renders  vain. 
Thus  frequent  foil'd,  impatient  of  delay, 
Since  here  no  hope  he  sees  to  force  his  way, 
He  desp'rate  ran,  and,  as  with  wings  supply'd, 
Arm'd  as  he  was  leap'd  lightly  o'er  the  tide. 

When  now  the  plain  he  reach'd,  in  bright  display 
Where  the  rich  fairy's  boundless  treasures  lay, 


16  THE  ADVENTURE 

He  saw  what  seem'd  a  king, — a  figure  crown'd, 
Seated  in  state,  with  numbers  standing  round, 
Form'd  all  of  gold,  and  o'er  them  thickly  strown 
Pearls,  rubies,  diamonds  intermingled  shone. 
All  seem'd  in  high  respect  the  king  to  hold ; 
Before  him  richly  wrought  in  colour'd  gold, 
A  table  spread  with  costliest  meats  was  plac'd, 
Of  rare  procurance  and  of  daintiest  taste; 
But  from  above,  suspended  by  a  thread, 
A  pointed  sword  hung  threat'ning  o'er  his  head; 
And  on  his  left  stood  one  with  bended  bow, 
As  at  the  ford  expectant  of  the  doe. 
Near  on  the  right  a  second  held  his  place, 
Alike  in  form,  in  stature  and  in  face ; 
Who  in  his  hand  an  open  scroll  display'd, 
Which  bore  these  words,  in  letters  fair  portray 'd 
*  Small  is  the  worth  of  riches  and  of  state 
On  whose  possession  fear  and  peril  wait ; 
And  what  of  joy  can  silken  pomp  afford 
When  dire  suspicion  haunts  its  gloomy  lord  ?' 
Wretched  appear'd  the  king,  his  jealous  eye 
E'er  seem'd  to  dread  some  treason  lurking  nigh. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  17 

Of  richest  workmanship,  before  him  placed, 

A  lily  wrought  in  gold  the  table  graced, 

From  whose  proud  top  a  bright  translucent  stone, 

A  carbuncle  of  wond'rous  beauty  shone. 

Large  was  the  place  and  square  of  form,  the  ground 

With  flint  was  paved,  of  flint  the  wall  around. 

Four  roads  adverse  from  this  inclosure  led, 

O'er  each  of  which  a  splendid  gate  was  spread, 

No  opening  else  the  massy  wall  contain'd, 

Nor  from  without  the  light  admittance  gain'd, 

The  carbuncle  alone  with  splendent  ray 

Pour'd  wide  around  the  noontide  blaze  of  day. 

Not  long  admiring  here  Orlando  stood, 
But  to  a  portal  near  his  way  pursued. 
Dark  was  the  entrance,  not  a  ray  of  light 
Pierc'd  the  thick  vapours  of  surrounding  night; 
In  vain  to  grope  his  way  the  warrior  tried, 
The  dark  obstructed  road  all  pass  denied-~- 
Again  he  back  return'd,  and  sought  around 
If  other  outlet  might  from  thence  be  found, 
In  vain  in  eager  search  around  he  goes, 
Dark  and  more  dark  each  gloomy  passage  shows* 


18  THE  ADVENTURE 

Awhile  suspensive  stood  the  knight,  nor  knew 
What  measures  to  adopt,  what  course  pursue, 
At  length  to  thought  recurr'd  the  precious  stone 
That  like  enkindled  fire  bright-blazing  shone. 
To  take  it  he  advanced — as  near  he  drew 
From  the  bent  bow  the  ready  arrow  flew, 
Struck  from  the  lily's  top  the  ruddy  light, 
And  left  the  Count  involv'd  in  hopeless  night : 
An  earthquake  shook  the  place,  with  fearful  sound 
Deep-groan'd  on  every  side  the  rock  around, 
But  he,  whose  courage  danger  never  quell'd, 
Unmov'd  remained  and  firm  his  footing  held. 
At  length  the  earthquake  ceas'd,  again  the  light 
Diffus'd  new  lustre  frcm  the  lily's  height, 
To  seize  the  gem  again  Orlando  tries, 
Again  the  golden  shaft  unerring  flies, 
A  direr  earthquake  heaves  the  trembling  ground, 
And  deeper  darkness  spreads  its  glooms  around. 
Once  more  the  darkness  fled,  the  stone  once  more 
Resum'd  its  place — still  brighter  than  before. 
The  knight  who  now  perceiv'd  th'  attempt  was  vain 
If  still  as  erst  pursued,  the  gem  to  gain, 


. 

OF  THE  LAKE.  19 

His  buckler  took  and  wide  before  it  spread — - 
From  the  bent  bow  his  shaft  the  archer  sped, 
But  vain  the  shaft  its  course  unerring  held 
The  covering  shield  its  feeble  stroke  repell'd. 
Without  obstruction  then  the  stone  he  took, 
And  by  its  guiding  light  the  place  forsook. 

But  as  the  Count  by  chance  directed  went, 
Not  to  the  right  hand  gate  his  course  he  bent, 
Which  upwards  by  a  smooth  and  easy  way 
Had  soon  conducted  to  the  light  of  day, 
But  where  the  left  a  downward  passage  shew'd, 
'Mid  more  than  stygian  gloom,  the  road  pursu'd 
On  to  th'  impervious  prison,  where  confined, 
Full  many  a  knight  and  damsel  hopeless  pined : 
Where  Dudon,  where  Rinaldo  pensive  stray 'd, 
With  Brandimarte  since  them  a  prisoner  made, 
Whom  there  Morgana  lured  by  artful  wiles, 
With  love  pretended  and  fallacious  smiles. 
Down  a  long  marble  stairway's  deep  descent 
A  mile  of  strange  and  crooked  road  he  went, 
So  twisted,  so  obscure,  that  ne'er  the  knight 
Had  thence  his  way  explored  without  the  light, 


THE  ADVENTURE 


But  'midst  its  windings  lost  and  midnight  gloom, 
In  endless  wanderings  there  had  found  his  tomb. 
The  bottom  reach'd,  at  distance  he  descried 
What  seem'd  a  fissure  in  the  cavern's  side, 
Thither,  still  guided  by  the  friendly  ray, 
With  slow  and  cautious  step  he  bent  his  way. 
At  length  a  portal  he  perceiv'd  that  gave 
A  joyful  outlet  from  the  gloomy  cave, 
Whose  cornice  rough,  engraved  this  sentence  held  : 
*  O  thou,  whose  steps  hath  fortune  here  impell'd, 

*  Know  that  with  ease  an  entrance  thou  can'st  gain, 

*  But  think  not  to  return — the  thought  is  vain 
'  Unless  you  first  th'  elusive  fairy  seize, 

'  More  light  than  air,  more  changeful  than  the  breeze, 
'  Who  round  the  mountain,  round  the  meadow  green 

*  Incessant  whirls,  nor  ever  fix'd  is  seen, 

*  Who  bald  behind  like  withered  age  appears, 

*  And  o'er  her  forehead  fair  her  tresses  wears.' 

The  Count,  whose  mind  on  other  thoughts  was  bent 
But  slight  attention  to  th'  inscription  lent. 
The  gate  he  passed  and  onward  held  his  way 
Where  fair  below  a  lovely  meadow  lay, 


. 

OF  THE  LAKE.  21 

Rapt  in  delight  the  scene  around  explores, 
And  treads  the  herbage  gay  with  vivid  flowers, 
For  not  within  the  world's  encircling  bound 
A  place  so  passing  beauteous  could  be  found. 
Serene  the  air,  the  sky  of  purest  blue 
Exceeded  far  the  sapphire's  radiant  hue, 
Wide  stretch'd  beneath  the  flower-enamell'd  mead 
Of  tenderest  green  a  beauteous  carpet  spread, 
Adorn'd  with  balmy  shrubs  and  blossom 'd  trees 
That  threw  their  perfumes  on  th'  enamour'd  breeze, 
Whose  boughs  at  once  the  bursting  bud  unfold, 
Gleam  gay  with  flowers  and  glow  with  vegetable  gold. 
At  distance  from  the  gate  a  wall  appear'd, 
That  cross  the  mead  its  glittering  rampart  rear'd, 
And  form'd  a  mirror  of  transparent  stone 
From  whence  the  garden  bright  reflected  shone. 

Thither  his  course  th'  admiring  Count  pursued, 
When  'midst  the  mead  a  fountain  fair  he  view'd; 
Enchas'd  with  precious  stones  of  every  kind 
Immix'd  with  costliest  pearls  the  fountain  shin'd, 
There  on  the  herbage  green  extended  lay 
Wrapp'd    in    soft   slumber's   folds,  th'  enchanting 
Fay — 


* 
22 


In  her  bright  features  and  attractive  mien 
Such  winning  grace,  such  loveliness  was  seen, 
As  would  with  pleasure  fill  the  heart  of  woe, 
And  give  despair  with  new-born  hope  to  glow; 
O'er  her  fair  face  a  lovely  smile  was  spread, 
Slender  her  well-turn'd  limbs  and  form'd  for  speed, 
No  locks  behind  their  graceful  length  unfold, 
But  o'er  her  forehead  wave  in  curling  gold, 
Thin  were  her  glossy  robes  of  white  and  red 
That  still  when  caught  the  grasp  elusive  fled. 
In  wonder  and  delight  his  senses  chain'd, 
Fix'd  to  the  spot  the  Paladin  remain'd ; 
As  gazing  on  her  with  enraptur'd  sight 
He  stands,  these  words  arrest  the  wond'ring  knight. 
'  Why  stand'st  thou  loitering  thus  ?    Ah !  seize  the 

'  prize, 

'  Seize  the  bright  trait'ress  who  before  thee  lies ; 
'  Unless  those  roving  limbs  thou  dost  confine, 
4  Fatigue  and  pain  and  sorrow  will  be  thine.' 
Surpris'd  he  turn'd,  and  guided  by  the  sound, 
Soon  reach'd  with  silent  step  the  crystal  mound, 
Which  near  the  fountain  rose,  so  clear  and  bright 
No  spot  it  shew'd,  nor  aught  obstructed  sight. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  28 

When  thither  come,  beyond  the  rampart  clear, 

He  Dudon  sees,  a  hapless  captive  there — 

Each  sees  and  knows,  and  at  the  other's  sight 

In  bitter  tears  laments  each  noble  knight, 

They  stretch  their  arms  in  vain — th'  opposing  space 

Forbids  to  meet,  forbids  the  fond  embrace. 

Meantime,  Rinaldo,  Brandimarte  drew  near, 

Lock'd  arm  in  arm  the  valiant  chiefs  appear  : 

When  them  Orlando  saw  no  bounds  he  kept, 

But  wildly  raved  with  rage,  \vith  sorrow  wept. 

Their  story  heard  he  felt  still  keener  grief, 

Since  nought  of  hope  he  found  to  yield  relief, 

The  crystal  wall  three  feet  in  thickness  spread, 

And  high  in  air  arose  its  glittering  head, 

Nor  human  strength  or  art  could  aught  avail 

To  force  th'  inclosure,  or  its  height  to  scale. 

He  sees  his  friends  nor  yet  can  aid  impart, 

He  sees  them  near  while  torture  wrings  his  heart — 

Stung  with  the  thought,  by  maddening  rage  impelPd* 

Prepar'd  to  strike  the  wall  his  sword  he  held. 

When,  with  one  voice — c  O  stay  !'  the  prisoners 

*  cried, 
*  O  stay  !  or  ruin  sure  will  us  betide — 


*  For  such  the  spell  that  should  the  wall  you  see 

*  Defaced  or  broken  in  the  smallest  be, 

'  With  it  we  sink  within  the  cavern's  gloom, 

*  And  find  at  once  our  prison  and  our  tomb.' 

A  damsel  then,  who  sunk  in  sorrow  seem'd, 
Whose  pallid  features  still  with  beauty  beam'd, 
Approach'd  and  said,    "  Here  all  attempts  are  vain., 
1  But  by  one  way  cans't  thou  admittance  gain, 
1  Yon  splendid  gate  that  only  passage  shows, 

*  That  bright  with  diamonds,  and  with  emeralds 

glows. 

*  But  there  nor  courage,  strength,  or  skill  avail, 

'  There  threats  are  empty,  flattery's  arts  will  fail, 

*  Nought  can  the  gate  unclose,  the  passage  free, 
'  Unless  Morgana  yield  the  fatal  key — 

'  But  that  to  gain,  with  shame,  fatigue,  and  toil, 

*  Must  thou  her  flight  pursue  for  many  a  mile, 

'  That  slight  compared  to  this  wilt  thou  esteem 
'  Thy  former  toils,  and  light  each  suffering  deem, 
'  Thus  her  to  follow  o'er  the  desert  wild, 
'  With  certain  pain,  by  treach'rous  hope  beguil'd. 

*  But  virtue  e'er  prevails,  with  that  to  friend 
'  Who  perseveres  will  conquer  in  the  end. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  25 

f  Thou  see'st  these  noble  knights,  these  damsels  fair, 
'  Who  captive  pine  in  bonds  of  pale  despair, 

*  On  thy  exertions  sole  depends  their  fate, 
'  From  thee  alone  their  rescue  they  await. 

*  But  turn,  Sir  Knight,  no  longer  here  abide, 

1  As  chance  the  fairy  may  not  thee  have  spied, 

*  And  to  the  fount  with  speed  again  repair, 
'  For  haply  still  you'll  find  Morgana  there.' 

To  this  the  impatient  warrior  nought  replied, 
But  back  returning  sought  the  fountain's  side. 
New  risen  from  sleep  he  there  Morgana  found 
Who  lightly  skimm'd  the  verdant  marge  around 
In  graceful  dance,  the  while  she  sweetly  sung, 
And  on  the  notes  enraptur'd  echo  hung. 
Turns  not  the  leaf  so  lightly  to  the  wind 
As  turn'd  the  fairy,  now  to  earth  declin'd 
Her  eyes  she  cast,  and  now  to  heaven  she  threw, 
While  thus  her  song  the  charm'd  attention  drew. 

*  Whoever  seeks  for  wealth,  or  joy  desires, 
'  Whom  pleasure  prompts,  or  proud  ambition  fires, 
'  Let  him  but  seize  this  golden  lock  of  hair 
'  Which  o'er  my  forehead  waves  in  ringlets  fair, 

E 


26  THE  ADVENTURE 

'  And  I  will  make  him  blest,  his  wishes  grant, 
'  Fulfil  each  hope,  anticipate  each  want ; 
'  But  when  occasion  smiles  with  aspect  gay, 
«  To  seize  the  favor  let  him  not  delay, 
'  For  slighted  once  I  never  more  return, 
'  But  turn  my  back,  and  leave  the  wretch  to  mourn.' 
Thus  sung  the  fairy  constant  whirling  round, 
So  light  that  scarce  her  footsteps  touch'd  the  ground; 
But  when  she  saw  the  Count  she  turn'd  and  fled, 
The  fountain  quitting  and  the  flowery  mead, 
And  up  a  rugged  mountain  took  her  way, 
In  which  inclos'd  a  little  valley  lay  ; 
Thither,  full  closely,  he  her  flight  pursued, 
And  reach'd  at  length  a  place  more  wildly  rude 
Than  knows  Arabia,  or  the  desert  sand 
Where  hot  Zaara's  shifting  plains  expand ; 
Rugged  with  stones,  with  brambles  mantled  o'er, 
A  place  so  dreary  ne'er  was  seen  before. 

And  now  dark  grew  the  sky — in  murky  'clouds, 
Still  thick 'ning  fast,  the  sun  his  radiance  shrouds, 
The  wind  wild  rises,  loud  the  tempest  roars,, 
Rain  mix'd  with  hail-stones  o'er  the  desert  pours, 


OF  THE  LAKE.  27 

Dread  bursts  the  thunder,  blue  the  lightning  gleams, 
Wide  flashes  round,  or  darts  in  arrowy  streams, 
Thick  spreads  the  mist  o'er  mountain  and  o'er  plain, 
And  heaven  appears  dissolv'd  in  floods  of  rain. 
Still  grows  the  tempest — fled  the  light  of  day, 
Alone  the  lightning  lends  its  lurid  ray, 
Rent  by  the  wind  the  trees  uprooted  lie, 
The  beasts  affrighted  from  their  coverts  fly, 
And  foxes,  doves,  the  serpent's  venom'd  brood, 
Slain  by  the  storm  lie  scatter'd  o'er  the  wood  ; 
For  no  protection,  no  defence  avails, 
When  dread  misfortune's  bitter  storm  assails ! 

O'er  the  rough  mountain,  'mid  the  gloomy  dells, 
Through  dangerous  ways  the  Count  his  course  impels, 
Where  the  big  torrents  foaming  down  the  steep 
The  banks  and  rocks  in  one  wide  ruin  sweep, 
While  far  is  heard  the  crash  and  echoing  groan 
Of  falling  forests  by  the  wind  o'erthrown. 
Yet  little  recks  he  this — but  still  proceeds, 
Nor  danger  nor  fatigue  his  course  impedes, 
Still  holds  the  chace  resolv'd  to  take  the  fay 
Or  that  his  life  the  vain  attempt  should  pay, 


28  THE  ADVENTURE 

But  each  new  step  fresh  obstacles  supplies, 

Toil  grows  on  toil,  on  perils  perils  rise  ; 

When  lo  !  wild  wailing  from  a  cavern  came, 

Meagre  and  pale,  a  lothly-looking  dame, 

Soii'd  were  her  vestments  coarse,  of  earthy  dye, 

And  in  her  hand  she  waved  a  whip  on  high, 

With  which  she  ceaseless  scourg'd  herself,  and  tore 

The  quiv'ring  flesh,  and  bath'd  her  sides  in  gore. 

Pitying  the  knight  this  meagre  form  beheld, 

And  ask'd  what  cause  such  conduct  strange  impell'd. 

To  whom  the  hag :  '  In  me  Repentance  know, 

*  Siranger  to  peace,  of  every  joy  the  fee — 

*  Whom  fortune  shuns  I  seek,  with  him  I  stayr 

*  Nor  quit  his  couch  by  night,  his  side  by  day ; 

*  And  since  she  thee  forsook  on  yonder  mead, 
'  I  thy  companion  come,  by  fate  decreed 

'  To  haunt  thy  steps,  and  while  she  flies  from  thee 

*  Shalt  thou  be  follow 'd  and  be  scourg'd  by  me  : 

*  Nor  strength  or  bravery  will  avail  thee  aught, 
4  Unless  with  all-enduring  patience  fraught.' 

*  Patience,'  replied  the  Count,  '  may  suit  the  slave, 
'  But  ill  that  coward  virtue  fits  the  brave  ; 


OF  THE  LAKE.  29 

'  Think  not  to  beat  me  like  some  losel  base, 

*  And  that  I'll  tamely  yield  to  such  disgrace, 

*  But  o'er  this  drear}-  desert  guide  my  way, 

*  And  as  a  friend  my  wearied  footsteps  stay.' 

He  said,  and  turn'd  abrupt,  with  quicken'd  speed 
To  chace  the  fairy  who  at  distance  fled, 
When  the  wild  form  her  frantic  cry  began, 
And,  with  strange  gestures,  circling  round  him  ran, 
And  oft  with  shameful  stripes  his  shoulders  beat, 
As  one  condemn'd  the  penal  scourge  to  meet. 
With  rage,  chagrin  and  shame  Orlando  burn'd, 
And  tow'rds  the  hag  with  furious  look  he  turn'd 
And  threaten'd  death — yet  answer  none  she  made, 
Nor  to  his  threats  the  least  attention  paid, 
But  as  he  'gan  the  fairy  to  pursue 
She  wav'd  her  whip  and  follow 'd  him  anew; 
Still,  constant  as  his  shade,  where'er  he  goes 
She  follows  close,  and  eft  repeats  her  blows. 
Enrag'd  at  length,  with  iron-clenched  fist 
He  at  her  face  a  furious  blow  addrest, 
That  stroke  he  deem'd  the  hag  would  sure  have  sped, 
And  from  her  malice  him  for  ever  freed, 


30  THE  ADVENTURE 

But  wound  nor  harm  receiv'd  his  wayward  foe, 
Whose  airy  form,  impassive  to  the  blow, 
No  more  resistance  oflfer'd  to  the  stroke 
Than  a  thin  vapour,  or  a  wreath  of  smoke : 
And  as  he  turn'd  the  weary  chace  to  urge, 
Again  she  beat  him  with  the  cutting  scourge. 
To  madness  stung,  the  Count  each  method  tries, 
And  now  his  fist  and  now  his  heels  he  plies, 
But  vain  his  strength,  his  skill,  his  efforts  all, 
On  empty  air  his  idle  blows  still  fall. 
Convinc'd,  at  length,  no  force  of  mortal  arm 
Could  work  that  female  fury  aught  of  harm, 
Again  he  hastes  the  fair}'  to  pursue 
Who  now  had  almost  vanish'd  from  his  view; 
But  at  his  back  again,  with  hideous  cries, 
Her  scorpion  lash  that  fell  Megcera  plies : 
Howe'er  so  fast  he  speeds,  where'er  he  wheels, 
Still,  close,  Repentance  follows  at  his  heels, 
Beats  him  with  bitter  stripes ,  with  taunts  derides, 
With  insult  mocks  and  fierce  upbraidings  chides. 

The  Count,  tho'  madd'ning  passions  fir'd  his  breast. 
Yet  curb'd  his  ire,  his  struggling  rage  represt, 


OF  THE  LAKE.  31 

Resolv'd,  since  fruitless  all  his  efforts  were, 
Perforce  with  patience  arm'd  each  ill  to  bear. 
Nor  more  he  turns,  nor  more  the  strife  renews, 
But,  with  increasing  zeal,  the  fairy  swift  pursues- 
As  the  fleet  greyhound  holds  the  hare  in  chace, 
So  seem'd  the  contest,  and  so  swift  the  race ; 
Brambles  arid  shrubs  in  vain  his  course  oppose, 
He  rends  the  brambles,  and  the  shrubs  o'erthrows, 
Wide  scatter'd  round  the  thorns  and  bushes  lay, 
And  broad  behind  him  op'd  a  beaten  way. 

Now  keener  grows  pursuit,  more  tardy  flight, 
Still  near  and  nearer  draws  the  ardent  knight, 
Who  deems  the  prize  his  own,  and  thinks  with  ease 
The  elusive  fairy's  lovely  form  to  seize. 
Fallacious  hope !  for  e'en  when  seiz'd  the  fay 
Slips  from  the  disappointed  grasp  away. 
To  take  her  oft  with  eager  hand  he  prest, 
And  now  her  person  caught,  and  now  her  vestr 
But  her  thin  robes,  of  shining  white  and  red, 
As  oft  as  caught  his  grasp  elusive  fled, 
Their  subtle  texture  still  his  hold  deceives, 
And  in  the  moment  of  expectance  leaves. 


32  THE  ADVENTURE 

But,  as  his  fortune  will'd,  amid  the  chace 
As  tow'rds  the  knight  she  turn'd,  with  smiling  face, 
With  ready  hand,  at  length,  the  lock  he  caught, 
The  golden  lock,  so  long,  so  vainly  sought. 

Hush'd  was  the  storm  at  once,  and  chang'dthe  scene, 
Blue  shone  the  sky,  the  air  became  serene, 
Where  the  wild  mountain  rear'd  its  rugged  head 
A  plain  delightful  cloth'd  in  verdure  spread, 
And  late  where  brambles  fill'd  the  obstructed  road, 
Now  fragrant  flowers  in  vivid  beauty  glow'd, 
The  bloodless  form  her  persecutions  ceas'd, 
And  thus,  with  soften'd  mien,  the  knight  address'd. 

*  Watch  well,  Sir  Knight,  that  precious  lock  of  gold 
1  Which  fav'ring  chance  permits  thee  now  to  hold, 

*  And  guard  the  important  charge  with  strictest  care, 

*  Lest  Fortune  'scape  and  leave  thee  to  despair ; 
1  For  when  this  fairy  wears  her  loveliest  mien, 

1  When  most  subdued  she  seems  and  most  serene, 

*  Then  dread  her  flight,  nor  her  false  smiles  believe, 

*  Who  trusts,  in  her  she  surely  will  deceive, 

*  For  on  her  faith  can  none  dependance  have, 
'  As  light  as  air,  unstable  as  the  wave.' 


OF  THE  LAKE.  33 

Thus  spoke  the  form  and  to  the  grotto  fled, 
'Mid  whose  lone  glooms  a  life  recluse  she  led. 

With  threats  severe  and  mild  entreaties  join'd, 
The  Count  who  held  the  Fairy  still  confin'd 
Of  her  the  key  requir'd:  When  thus  she  spoke, 
With  pleasure's  semblance  false,  and  smiling  look. 
f  Submiss,  Sir  Knight,  I  thy  behests  attend, 
'  And  to  thy  wishes  yield,  thy  pleasure  bend ; 
'  Those  pris'ners  all  at  thy  disposal  are; 
'  For  one  alone,  I  my  request  prefer, 
6  A  youth,  of  royal  Monodante  the  son, 
'  Whose  grace  and  blooming  charms  my  heart  have 

won; 
'  In  him  is  all  my  bliss,  for  him  I  sue, 

*  O  take  him  not,  or  take  me  with  him  too  ; 

*  Leave  me  that  youth,  Sir  Knight,  I  thee  request 
'  By  that  high  valour  that  inspires  thy  breast, 

*  And  by  thy  god,  nor  give  me  e'er  to  mourn, 
'  Reft  of  my  love,  from  every  pleasure  torn.' 
The  Count  replied,  *  My  word  I  pledge  to  thee 
'  That  youth  to  leave  if  thou  wilt  give  the  key, 


34  THE  ADVENTURE 

'  But  thee  I  will  not  loose,  as  much  I  fear 

1  That  o'er  that  rough  and  desert  road,  I  ne'er 

*  My  way  shall  find ;  then  let  us  be  agreed — 

'  With  me  shalt  thou  return  ere  thou  art  freed.' 

He  said,  the  Fairy  from  her  glittering  vest 
Drew  forth  the  fatal  key,  and  thus  the  Count  address'd. 
'  Undaunted  knight!  this  key  of  silver  take, 

*  But  use  with  caution  lest  the  lock  you  break, 

'  For  should  that  hap  thou'lt  meet  a  wretched  doom, 
4  Plung'd  in  the  horrors  of  the  cavern's  gloom, 
'  And  with  thee  all  the  knights  imprison'd  there 
4  Sunk  in  th'  abyss  the  same  sad  fate  will  share ; 
4  Not  worlds  can  save  thee,  nor  my  art  can  show 

*  The  means  of  rescue  from  that  gulph  of  woe  I' 
From  this  the  knight  the  ready  inference  drew, 
That  rarely  found  are  those,  in  number  few, 
Who  know  the  gifts  of  fortune  to  enjoy, 

And  can  with  skill  her  silver  key  employ. 

Now  tow'rds  the  garden,  through  the  meadow  gay, 
The  Count  proceeded  with  the  beauteous  Fay? 
Still  closely  held,  and  o'er  a  flow'ry  road 
The  portal  reach'dthat  bright  with  diamonds  glow'd- 


OF  THE  LAKE.  35 

There,  by  discretion  taught,  with  ready  skill 
He  turn'd  the  key  obedient  to  his  will 
Through  each  intricate  ward,  the  bolts  unclose, 
And  open  flies  the  gate  and  free  the  passage  shows. 

The  knights  and  damsels  from  confinement  freed 
Rush  joyful  forth  and  throng  the  verdant  mead  ; 
Each  to  the  Count  his  grateful  tribute  paid, 
And  thank'd  his  God  for  such  unlook'd  for  aid. 
All  issued  thence  with  joy  and  mirthful  cheer, 
Him  saving  whom  the  fairy  held  so  dear, 
That  youth  Ziliantes  call'd,  so  passing  fair 
That  shone  his  beauty  far  beyond  compare. 
Weeping,  alone  within  the  gate  he  staid, 
And  curs'd  his  cruel  fate,  and  loud  lamentings  made. 
The  Count  with  sorrow  saw  a  youth  so  fair 
Thus  plung'd  in  grief,  a  prey  to  wild  despair ; 
But  tho'  he  pitied  much  his  hopeless  woe, 
Yet  would  he  not  his  plighted  word  forego. 

And  now  the  captive  band,  from  durance  freed, 
Led  by  Orlando  to  the  gate  proceed 
That  form'd  the  entrance  to  the  gloomy  way, 
Amid  whose  winding  vaults  their  passage  lay. 


36  THE  ADVENTURE 

Thither  they  enter'd  all,  and  up  its  flight 

Of  marble  steps  soon  reach 'd  the  cavern's  height, 

And  issuing  thence  the  paved  area  gain'd, 

Whose  bounds  the  Fairy's  wealth  immense  contain'd, 

The  figur'd  king  and  those  who  'round  him  stood, 

All  form'd  of  gold,  with  pearls  and  rubies  strew'd. 

The  prisoners  much  these  forms,  admiring,  ey'd, 
And  heaps  of  jewels  spread  on  every  side, 
But  fearful  of  some  trick,  or  magic  snare, 
Not  one  adventur'd  aught  to  handle  there. 
Rinaldo  sole,  whom  no  such  fears  alarm'd 
Whose  eager  eye  those  heaps  of  wealth  had  charm'd, 
Seiz'd  a  large  seat  of  gold,  of  pond'rous  weight, 
And  with  it  loaded,  hasten'd  towards  the  gate. 
The  Count,  who  saw  him  thus,  advis'd  in  vain 
To  quit  his  hold,  and  let  the  seat  remain, 
Nor  like  some  burden'd  mule  himself  to  lade. 
To  whom,  keen  taunting,  thus  Rinaldo  said  : 

•  I  knew  a  monk  who  preach'd  the  sacred  word 
'  And  each  indulgence  censur'd  as  abhorr'd, 

•  Who  urg'd  the  crowd  through  fasting  to  repent, 

•  And  made  his  theme  the  saving  grace  of  lent ; 


OF  THE  LAKE.  37 

'  And  on  his  doctrine  had  he  so  improv'd, 

4  That  scarce  with  toil  his  load  of  flesh  he  mov'd. 

1  Like  that  fat  friar  art  thou,  who  quite  content, 

'  With  well-fill'd  belly,  preach'd  in  praise  of  lent, 

'  His  constant  subject  self-denial  made, 

'  And  to  roast  capon  great  devotion  paid. 

1  On  you  the  Emperor  wealth  and  rank  bestows, 

*  And  each  new  day  some  added  favour  shews. 
4  Rich  cities  you  possess  and  castles  fair, 

'  And  Count  of  Brava  and  of  Anglante  are  ; 
'  While  I  a  wretched  fortress  scarcely  own, 

*  And  Lord  of  Mount  Albano  am  alone, 

'  Where  oft  to  bed  I  supperless  should  go, 

'  Did  I  not  seek  it  in  the  plain  below; 

'  And  when  good  fortune  throws  it  in  my  way 

*  To  help  myself  to  aught  I'll  not  delay; 

*  For  this  I  hold — no  scandal  e'er  proceeds 
'  From  taking  booty  to  supply  our  needs.' 

Conversing  thus,  at  length  they  reach'd  the  gate 
Which  led  from  thence,  when,  wond'rous  to  relate, 
A  furious  wind,  forth  issuing  from  the  rock, 
Amon's  brave  son  with  force  resistless  struck 


38  THE  ADVENTURE 

Full  in  his  breast,  and  back  in  his  despite 
For  twenty  paces  drove  the  struggling  knight ; 
The  rest  th'  impetuous  wind  nor  harm*d  nor  mov'd, 
Nor  save  Rinaldo  one  its  fury  prov'd  : 
But  he,  undaunted  at  the  strange  event, 
Leap'd  light  from  earth,  and  to  the  portal  went 
His  prize  still  bearing,  but  when  reach'd,  once  more 
The  wind  impell'd  him  from  the  fatal  door, 
And,  like  a  withered  lea^at  distance  cast, 
Or  thistle's  down  the  sport  of  every  blast. 
Much  were  the  rest  alarm'd,  Orlando  most, 
Who  deem'd  the  knight  would  rue  it  to  his  cost, 
And  greatly  fear'd  he  there  would  meet  his  fate, 
And  death  instead  of  gold  his  rash  adventure  wait. 

Rinaldo  wondering  saw,  with  anger  wild, 
His  wishes  frustrate  aud  himself  thus  foil'd, 
Yet  still  with  strange  desire  the  seat  he  ey'd, 
And  firm  resolv'd,  whatever  might  betide, 
From  thence  the  golden  prize  away  to  bear, 
Nor  will  remonstrance  heed,  intreaty  hear. 


OF  THE  LAKE.  39 

But  since  he  well  perceiv'd  th'  attempt  was  vain, 
When  loaded  with  the  seat  the  pass  to  gain, 
He  rais'd  it  high  in  air,  and  round  him  whirl'd, 
With  matchless  force  against  the  opening  hurl'd. 
The  stone  not  swifter  issues  from  the  sling, 
Or  feathery  arrow  from  the  sounding  string, 
Than  by  the  vigour  of  that  arm  impell'd, 
The  pond'rous  seat  its  course  impetuous  held ; 
But,  by  the  blast  repell'd  the  massy  weight 
Recoil'd  in  thunder  from  th'  impervious  gate. 
Around  Rinaldo  press'd  the  anxious  train, 
And  with  intreaties  urg'd  him  to  abstain 
From  farther  proof,  since  vain  his  efforts  were, 
But  with  them  quit  and  leave  th'  enchantment  there. 
Urg'd  by  his  friends,  convinc'd,  at  length,  that  ne'er 
He  thence  the  spell-protected  gold  could  bear, 
With  much  reluctance  left  the  knight  behind 
The  prize  regretted  and  his  comrades  join'd. 
Thence  went  they  all,  and  forth  their  way  pursued, 
For  miles  ascending  o'er  a  rugged  road, 


40  THE  ADVENTURE,  &c. 

And  faint  and  weary  reach'd  the  mead  at  length, 
Where  late  that  robber  of  unequall'd  strength 
Held  his  dread  won,  and  glorying  in  his  might, 
On  high  had  plac'd  the  armour  of  each  knight, 
From  thence  all  took  their  own  without  delay, 
And  straight  departed  each  one  on  his  way. 


THE  END. 


NOTES. 


NOTES. 


(1)  <  DESVROTED  the  garden  of  Orgagna's  queen.'—. Orlan 
do,  after  having  slain  Agrican,  king  of  Tartary,  left  Albrac- 
ca,  at  the  request  of  his  mistress  Angelica,  in  order  to  de 
stroy  the  enchanted  garden  of  Falerina,  queen  of  Orgagna.  On 
his  way  thither  he  released  a  damsel,  who  was  suspended  by  her 
hair  to  a  pine  tree,  hy  fighting  with  and  overcoming  a  knight, 
who  guarded  her.  This  damsel,  whose  name  was  Origilla,  soon 
after  took  an  opportunity  of  requiting  this  service,  by  stealing  his 
horse,  Brigliadoro.  He  then  continued  his  journey  on  foot ;  and 
having  arrived  in  the  kingdom  of  Orgagna,  saw  a  large  croud  of 
people  armed,  some  on  horseback  and  others  on  foot,  who  had  with 
them,  as  prisoners,  two  knights  and  a  lady,  whom  they  were  con 
ducting  to  the  garden  for  the  prey  of  the  dragon  who  guarded  the 
gate.  Orlando,  having  attacked  the  guards,  slain  most  of  them, 
and  dispersed  the  rest,  released  the  prisoners,  who  proved  to  be 
his  nephews,  Gryphon  and  Aquilante,  and  the  lady  the  one  who 
had  so  treacherously  deprived  him  of  his  horse,  which  she  then 
rode.  By  her  artifice  and  pretended  sorrow,  however,  she  soon 


44  NOTES. 

obtained  the  forgiveness  of  the  easy  Count,  who  having  mount 
ed  his  horse,  took  her  up  behind  him  and  pursued  his  way  to 
wards  the  gate  of  the  garden,  in  company  with  the  brothers ;  but 
conceiving  a  jealousy  of  Gryphon,  from  his  attention  to  the  dam 
sel,  of  whom  he  had  himself  become  foolishly  enamoured,  he  rudely 
ordered  them  to  depart.  After  this  he  alighted,  and  seating  him 
self  on  the  grass  with  Origilla,  near  the  wall  of  the  garden,  be 
gan  to  declare  his  passion  to  her.  He  had  not  been  long  in  this 
place,  when  a  lady  seated  on  a  white  palfrey  came  up,  and  thus  ad- 
<lressed  him.  Wretched  man !  What  misfortune  has  brought  thee 
hither!  Dost  thou  not  know  that  this  is  the  garden  of  Orgagna,  and 
that  thou  art  within  two  miles  of  the  gate  ?  And  while  thus  exposed 
to  certain  destruction,  thou  dost  idly  trifle  and  loiter  here.  The  Count 
politely  thanked  her  for  the  interest  she  appeared  to  take  in  his 
welfare,  but  informed  her  that  it  was  his  intention  to  go  into  the 
garden,  and  that  if  she  could  give  him  any  aid  or  counsel  in  the 
undertaking,  he  should  ever  consider  himself  indebted  to  her.  The 
lady  then  informed  him  that  the  garden  was  the  work  of  a  celebrated 
enchantress,  who  had  a  palace  in  it  to  which  she  occasionally  re 
tired,  where  she  employed  herself  in  framing  a  magic  sword  for 
the  purpose  of  killing  a  celebrated  knight  in  the  west,  called  Or 
lando,  who  was  said  to  be  invulnerable,  and  whom  the  enchantress 
had  discovered  by  her  art  was  destined  to  destroy  her  garden ;  that 
she  was  at  that  time 'there,  having  repaired  thither  the  preceding 


NOTES.  45 

day  ;  but  that  in  order  to  obtain  admission,  it  was  requisite  to  con 
tinue  chaste  for  three days,andthat  only  at  sunrise  couldhe  enter  the 
garden.  She  then  gave  him  a  little  book,  which  she  informed  him 
contained  a  complete  description  of  the  place,  which  it  would 
be  necessary  for  him  to  consult  whenever  any  difficulty  should  oc 
cur. 

The  lady  then  departed;  and  Orlando  being  obliged  to  wait 
until  morning  before  he  could  undertake  the  adventure,  laid  him 
self  down  on  the  grass  and  fell  asleep.  Origilla  profited  of  this 
opportunity  to  effect  her  escape,  in  order  to  rejoin  Gryphon,  for 
whom  she  had  conceived  a  violent  passion,  and  taking  Durinda- 
na,  the  celebrated  sword  of  the  knight,  she  mounted  Brigliadoro 
and  rode  off  with  the  utmost  speed. 

Orlando,  when  he  awoke  in  the  morning,  finding  himself  a  se 
cond  time  deceived,  was  extremely  mortified;  but  what  more  par 
ticularly  embarrassed  him  at  this  time  was  the  loss  of  his  sword. 
As  he  was  resolved,  however,  not  to  relinquish  the  adventure,  he 
broke  a  large  bough  from  an  elm,  and  stripping  it  of  its  leaves  and 
branches,  formed  it  into  a  club,  and  with  this  weapon  proceeded 
towards  the  gate .  The  sun  was  just  rising  as  he  reached  the 
gate,  which  fronted  the  east ;  at  that  moment  it  flew  open,  and 
the  dreadful  dragon  who  guarded  it,  shook  his  wings,  lashed  his 
tail  and  hissed  aloud.  The  knight,  however,  undauntedly  approach 
ed,  and,  as  the  monster  extended  his  jaws  to  swallow  him,  gave 
him  a  violent  stroke  upon  the  head.  This  only  served  to  increase 


46  NOTES. 

his  fury,  but  the  champion  still  continued  to  ply  him  with  blows 
and,  leaping  upon  his  back  finally  broke  his  skull  with  the  massy 
club. 

The  dragon  being  slain,  the  gate  shut  of  itself,  the  wall  of  the 
garden  closed  so  that  no  aperture  could  be  perceived,  and  the 
knight  found  himself  completely  a  prisoner.  In  looking  around  he 
discovered  a  fountain  to  which  he  repaired  to  refresh  himself,  and 
cleanse  his  hands  and  face  from  the  blood  and  dust.  On  approach 
ing  it  he  perceived  a  figure  of  a  man  in  marble,  from  whose  breast 
the  stream  issued  and  formed  a  rivulet  of  cool  and  transparent 
water,  bordered  with  flowers  and  herbage  ;  a  beautiful  little  tree 
stood  on  each  side  of  the  fountain,  in  the  midst  of  the  fresh  ver 
dure  which  surrounded  it,  and  the  image  bore  this  inscription  on 
its  forehead,  '  By  this  river  is  the  road  to  the  beautiful  palace  of  the 
garden'  Thus  directed,  the  knight  resolved  to  follow  the  course 
of  the  river;  as  he  proceeded  he  was  filled  with  surprize  and  de 
light  at  the  singular  beauty  of  the  place. 

May's  genial  hand  had  o'er  the  lovely  scene 
Her  richest  mantle  thrown  of  emerald  green. 
Flowers  of  a  thousand  tints  the  ground  o'erspread, 
And  thro'  the  air  refreshing  fragrance  shed. 
Here  plains  delicious  meet  his  ravish'd  eyes, 
There  verdant  knolls,  in  gentle  swell  arise, 
Where  groves  of  pine  and  balmy  fir  displayed 
A  beauteous  prospect  and  delightful  shad?, 


NOTES.  47 

' 

Mid  whose  green  boughs  the  birds,  in  wanton  play, 
Delighted  sport,  or  trill  the  am'rous  lay  : 
Beneath  their  umbrage  herds  of  deer  are  seen, 
Some  stretch'd  at  ease,  some  feeding  on  the  green  ; 
While  midst  them  kids  in  sportive  gambols  bound, 
And  timid  hares  range  fearlessly  around. 

He  at  length  came  to  the  palace  which  was  situated  on  the 
side  of  a  little  green  eminence,  and  of  most  wonderful  architecture, 
the  walls  being  entirely  covered  with  plates  of  gold,  enamelled 
with  various  colours,  and  the  door,  which  was  very  large,  thickly 
studded  with  rubies  and  diamonds.  The  knight  on  entering  per 
ceived  a  lady  dressed  in  white  who  held  a  highly  polished  sword 
in  her  hand,  in  which,  as  in  a  mirror,  she  was  viewing  herself. 
When  she  perceived  Orlando,  she  fled  with  precipitation  ;  but  the 
knight  pursued  and  overtook  her  in  the  meadow,  and  having  taken 
the  sword  from  her,  threatened  to  put  her  to  death  unless  she 
would  instruct  him  how  to  quit  the  garden.  But  his  threats  were 
of  no  avail,  she  would  not  even  deign  to  reply.  He  tried  the  e£ 
feet  of  soothing  words  and  of  flattery,  to  as  little  purpose ;  she 
obstinately  persisted  in  her  silence,  and  appeared  to  take  pleasure 
in  his  embarrassment.  Finding,  that  neither  persuasion  nor  me 
nace  would  succeed,  he  led  her  to  a  beach  tree  that  was  near,  and 
there  bound  her  fast  with  long  and  flexible  branches  of  elm :  at 
length  recollecting  the  book  which  the  lady  had  given  him,  he  drew 
it  from  his  bosom,  and  examining  it,  discovered  that  the  first  step  re- 


48  NOTES. 

quisite  for  him  to  take  was  to  proceed  to  a  gate  which  opened  to 
wards  the  south,  and  which  was  guarded  by  a  furious  bull  who 
was  armed  with  one  horn  of  iron  and  another  of  fire,  whose 
strokes  no  armour  could  resist ;  but  that  it  was  necessary  for  him 
before  arriving  there,  to  pass  by  a  very  dangerous  lake. 

He  then  left  the  lady  bound  to  the  tree,  and,  pursuing  the  direc 
tions  of  the  book,  filled  his  ears  and  helmet  with  roses,  so  as  to 
exclude  the  least  sound,  and  went  forward  to  the  lake. 

Small  was  the  lake  but  deep,  beneath  whose  wave, 
By  pleasure  lur*d,  had  numbers  found  their  grave: 
Through  the  pure  crystal  of  its  lucid  flood 
Distinct  each  object  at  the  bottom  show'd. 
Soon  as  the  knight  approach'd  its  flow'ry  side 
A  gentle  motion  heav'd  the  placid  tide, 
The  boiling  waters  rose  with  gurgling  sound, 
And  sparkling  bubbles  lightly  danced  around  ; 
When  slow  emerging  from  the  wave  was  seen 
A  beauteous  Syren  of  attractive  mien, 
She  look'd  a  damsel  fair,  but  cautious  held 
Her  monster  form  beneath  the  wave  conceal'd. 
But  when  she  sang  the  notes  so  sweet  and  clear, 
In  rapture  struck  on  each  enchanted  car— 
From  their  green  haunts  the  savage  beasts  repair, 
And  quit  their  boughs  the  winged  tribes  of  air—. 


VOTES.  49 

What  numbers  flock  from  grove,  from  hill  and  plain, 
Charm'd  with  the  music  of  her  melting  strain, 
But  as  the  shore  they  reach'd,  the  spelful  sound 
In  deepest  slumber  all  their  senses  bound. 

Orlando,  then  pretending  to  listen,  lay  down  as  if  asleep,  which 
the  Mermaid  perceiving,  came  on  shore  with  an  intent  to  dt  aw 
him  hto  the  lake,  but  as  she  came  within  his  reach  the  knight 
eaughv  her  by  her  long  hair,  and  dragging  her  into  the  meadow, 
to  which  she  could  oppose  no  resistance  but  her  singing,  cut  off 
her  head ;  then  unclosing  his  ears,  he  stained  his  helmet,  his 
ves:  and  armour  completely  with  her  blood.  Having  done  this, 
he  repaired,  as  directed,  to  the  Southern  Gate  ;  as  he  approached 
t,  the  wall  of  flint  stone  which  formed  the  harrier  of  the  garden 
disparted,  and  a  brazen  gate  flew  open  from  which  rushed  the 
bull  roaring  fearfully,  and  wildly  tossing  his  head,  armed  with 
horns  of  fire  and  of  iron,  and  such  was  the  strength  and  keenness 
of  the  latter,  that  it  would  pierce  the  best  tempered  armour. 
Orlando  leaped  aside,  and  aiming  a  blow  at  his  head  fortu 
nately  struck  the  iron  horn  and  severed  it  at  the  root.  But 
notwithstanding  this  loss,  the  bull  attacked  him  with  so  much  fu 
ry  with  his  horn  of  fire,  that  he  could  scarcely  keep  his  feet, 
and  so  dreadful  was  the  flame  that  the  Count  would  inevitably  have 
been  consumed  by  it,  had  he  not  have  been  preserved  by  the  blood 
of  the  Mermaid,  which  was  the  only  charm  capable  of  resisting 
its  violence.  After  an  obstinate  conflict  he  at  length  succeeded 


$0  NOTES. 

in  killing  the  bull,  when  the  earth  opened  and  swallowed  up  the 
body,  and  the  gate  which  till  then  was  open,  suddenly  closed,  and 
the  wall  resumed  its  former  appearance. 

Again  the  knight  found  himself  inclosed,  but  consulting  the 
book,  he  discovered  another  gate  which  opened  towards  the  West, 
and .  was  under  the  guard  of  an  ass,  a  most  singular  arimal. 
On  his  way  towards  this  gate  he  perceived  at  a  distance  a 
very  large  and  lofty  tree  ;  having  examined  the  book,  he  un 
bound  his  shield  from  his  arm,  and  fastening  it  upon  his  hel 
met,  directed  his  course  towards  the  tree,  keeping  his  eyes  con 
stantly  fixed  upon  the  ground.  As  he  came  near,  a  large  jnrd 
flew  from  among  the  branches  with  a  rustling  noise,  and  assailed 
the  Count ;  this  bird  whose  plumage  was  of  a  golden  colour,  hii 
the  face  of  a  woman,  with  long  flaxen  hair,  and  wore  a  crown  upon 
her  head ;  she  was  armed  with  long  and  sharp  talons,  which  had 
the  hardness  of  iron,  and  from  her  body  exuded  a  liquid,  which 
on  toucliing  the  eyes  instantly  produced  blindness,  and  rendered 
the  wretched  victim  her  easy  prey  ;  this  formidable  bird  as  he 
approached  kept  constantly  circling  around  the  knight,  shrieking 
dreadfully,  and  let  fall  in  great  quantities  that  liquid  substance, 
which  was  like  boiling  oil ;-  it  fell  upon  his  shield  and  upon  his 
breast,  but  did  no  injury  to  his  eyes,  which  were  effectually  secu 
red  by  the  projection  of  his  buckler.  At  last,  pretending  to  be 
blind,  he  fell  upon  the  ground  and  began  to  grope  among  the  her- 


NOTES.  5t 

bage,  the  bird  then  descended  and  seized  him  with  her  talons  by 
the  corslet,  when  with  a  back-stroke,  he  divided  her  in  twain. 

Orlando  having  slain  this  monster,  replaced  his  shield  upon 
his  arm,  and  continued  his  way  to  the  gate,  which  as  he  came 
near  it  opened  of  itself.— This  gate,  as  has  been  said,  was  guard 
ed  by  an  ass,  who  was  entirely  covered  with  an  impenetrable  ar 
mour  of  golden  scales ;  his  tail,  which  was  long,  was  sharper  than 
the  keenest  sword,  and  could  cut  in  pieces  the  strongest  armour, 
and  his  ears  were  two  ells  in  length,  and  as  flexible  as  the  tail  of 
a  serpent.  When  he  perceived  the  knight,  he  ran  furiously 
towards  him,  braying  dreadfully,  but  Orlando,  with  his  sword, 
against  which  no  enchantment  could  avail,  cut  entirely  through  the 
scales,  and  laid  bare  one  of  his  sides ;  with  his  long  ears  he  however 
caught  hold  of  the  champion's  shield  and  wrested  it  from  his  arm, 
when  the  knight  with  a  stroke  of  his  sword  separated  them 
from  his  head.  Upon  this  the  ass  turning  around,  struck  the 
knight,  with  his  sharp  tail  and  hewed  his  armour  to  pieces,  yet  he 
who  was  invulnerable,  remained  unharmed.  The  next  attack  of 
the  Count  was  more  successful ;  he  struck  the  ass  upon  the  hip 
and  cut  it  entirely  through  ;  the  monster  fell,  and  began  to  bray 
and  roar  most  hideously,  while  Orlando  continuing  his  blows,  at 
length  severed  the  head  from  the  body.  Immediately  the  head 
began  to  whirl  swiftly  around,  the  earth  shook  with  violence,  and 
opened,  and  closed  again  after  having  received  the  body  of  the 
ass. 


52  •>  NOTES. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  gate  had  disappeared,  and  no  vestige  of 
it  was  to  be  seen.  Orlando,  then  directed  his  course  towards  the 
North,  as  the  book  described  an  outlet  in  that  quarter  by  which 
he  might  escape  ;  but  it  was  necessary  in  the  first  place,  to  over 
come  a  monstrous  giant,  who  guarded  it,  and  who  was  enchant 
ed  in  such  a  manner,  that  if  he  was  slain,  two  more  ferocious 
and  powerful  would  arise  from  his  blood,  and  these  possessing 
and  communicating  the  same  property,  would  in  like  manner  pro 
ceed  to  multiply  themselves  to  infinity. 

As  to  the  north  the  Count  pursued  his  way 
He  saw  a  vale  that  fair  before  him  lay, 
Thick  spread  with  flowers  and  level  was  the  ground; 
Th'  enchanting  spot  a  lovely  fountain  crown'd  ; 
Near  which,  in  order  rang'd,  on  ev'ry  side 
Were  tables  spread  with  costliest  cates  supplied, 
Which  wide  around  delicious  odours  cast, 
And  lur'dthe  trav'ller  to  the  rich  repast, 
In  cups  of  gold  the  sparkling  nectar  glow'd, 
And  the  parch'd  lip  with  strong  temptation  woo'd. 
Lur'd  by  the  smell,  attracted  by  the  sight, 
Though  much  these  d-iincies  charm'd  the  wond'ring  knight 
Yet  fearful  of  some  trick,  some  hidden  snare, 
Again  the  faithful  book  he  cons  with  care- 
There  full  display'd,  and  stripp'd  of  its  disguise, 
Clear  shows  the  fraud  to  his  enlighten'd  eyes— . 
Beyond  the  fountain  cloth'd  with  roses  red, 
Its  verdant  boughs  a  thorny  thicket  spread, 


NOTES.  53 

Beneath  whose  close  embow'ring  shade  conceal'd 
A  cruel  Faun  her  watchful  station  held ; 
Her  form  uncouth,  above  a  woman  show'd, 
And  fair  with  beauty's  charms  resplendent  glow'd, 
But   foul  beneath,  in  many  a  monstrous  fold 
Its  venom'd  train  a  hideous  serpent  roll'd — 
A  chain  she  held  which  round  the  fountain  led, 
And  midst  the  flowers  conceal'd  its  toils  entangling  spread. 
Ah,  wretched  he  !  destruction's  fated  prey, 
Of  sense  the  slave,  who  thither  bends  his  way  ! 
Beneath  those  treach'rous  viands  opes  the  grave, 
And  death  smiles  grimly  o'er  the  gelid  wave — 
Caught  in  the  mazes  of  the  circling  chain, 
When  once  approach'd,  t'  escape  he  tries  in  vain, 
And  to  her  bower  compell'd,  the  monster's  prize, 
Press'd  in  her  stifling  grasp  in  horror  dies. 
The  Count  cautiously  avoided  the  fountain,  and  hastily  advanced 
towards  the  thicket.  The  Faun  on  seeing  him  approach,  attempted 
to  escape,  but  was  soon  overtaken  and  slain  by  him  as  she  made  no 
resistance.  Then  continuing  his  course  towards  the  north,  he  saw 

the  giant  standing  on  a  bridge,  which  was  at  a  small  distance  from 
the  gate,  armed  with  a  sword.  As  the  knight  came  up  the  giant 
aimed  a  furious  blow  at  him,  but  he  eluded  the  stroke  and  smote 
him  with  the  enchanted  sword,  on  his  right  side  with  such  force, 
•ihat  he  cut  him  in  twain.  The  giant  fell  dead,  and  his  blood  flow- 


S«  NOTES; 

ed  in  lai'ge  quantities ;  the  knight  now  supposed  that  he  should 
meet  with  no  further  obstacles  to  his  departure,  but  when  the 
blood  reached  the  farther  part  of  the  bridge,  a  large  flame  instantly 
kindled  around  itr  and  ascending  on  high  soon  formed  itself  into 
a  giant,  still  larger  and  more  terrible  than  the  first,  and  soon  af 
ter  another  like  him  appeared,  both  of  whom  had  the  faces  of  ser 
pents. 

Orlando  was  now  much  perplexed  what  course  to  pursue,  but 
he  fearlessly  went  to  the  gate,  which  the  giants  had  barredr 
and  notwithstanding  their  opposition  seized  the  bar  and  broke  it 
mto  pieces.  Upon  this  they  both  attacked  him  with  their  scime- 
tars,  but  to  this  he  paid  little  regard.  Convinced  that  he  could 
never  succeed  in  his  enterprise  by  killing  them,  he  resolved  to 
adopt  a  different  plan  ;  he  sheathed  his  sword  and  ran  and  seized 
one  of  the  giants,  and  lifting  him  with  unequalled  strength  from 
the  ground,  whirled  him  around  and  threw  him  on  his  back.  But 
tonile  thus  employed  he  was  exposed  to  the  blows  of  the  other, 
leaving  him  therefore,  he  ran  upon  his  companion,  and  laid  himin  his 
turn  on  the  ground.  But  finding  this  measure  ineffectual,  and 
that  he  could  not  quit  the  garden,  as  the  giants  constantly  opposed 
themselvesto  his  attempts,  he  at  length  pretended  to  be  afraid,  and 
ran  into  the  plain  expecting  that  they  would  pursue  him,  but  they 
whom  the  charm  had  constituted  the  keepers  of  the  gate,  would 
not  quit  the  bridge.  Finding  it  fruitless  after  several  attempts  to 
lure  them  from  their  station,  he,  at  length,  recollected  the  chain 
which  the  Faun  had  spread  around  the  fountain  ;  thither  he  went, 


NOTES.  55 

and  taking'  it  returned  with  it  to  the  bridge.  He  then  seized 
one  of  the  giants  and  threw  him  to  the  ground,  and  bound  him 
with  the  chain,  after  which,  in  like  manner,  he  confined  the  other. 

The  giants  being  bound,  nothing  further  obstructed  the  depar 
ture  of  Orlando;  but  at  leisure  now  to  reflect,  he  bethought  himself 
that  he  should  have  done  but  little  towards  the  accomplishment  of 
his  engagement,  should  he  depart  without  destroying  the  garden- 
He  again  consulted  the  book,  and  discovered  that  in  the  cen 
tre  of  the  garden  grew  a  tree,  from  which  if  the  topmost  bough 
was  plucked,  the  garden  would  immediately  disappear. 

Determined  to  complete  the  adventure,  he  returned  to  the  place 
where  he  had  left  Falerina  bound  to  the  beech,  where  she  still  re 
mained,  and  proceeding  onwards,  came  to  the  middle  of  the  gar 
den. 

Just  in  the  midst,  the  beauteous  tree  arose, 
Profusef  with  foliage  from  unnumber'd  boughs, 
Distinguish'd  o'er  the  rest,  afar  ascends 
The  bough  on  which  the  garden's  fate  depends, 
Nought  could  with  this  in  beauteous  shew  compare, 
High  rose  the  glittering  shoot,  erect  in  air, 
Nor  from  a  Scythian  bow,  with  force  impell'd, 
E'er  to  that  height,  its  course  an  arrow  held. 
Small  was  the  trunk,  the  branches  wide  were  spread, 
Each  day  the  tree  its  fleeting  foliage  shed* 


56  NOTES. 

While  still  renew'd  the  thorny  leaves  were  seen 

Each  day  reviv'd  to  shine  in  vernal  green, 

And  'midst  the  foliage,  beauteous  to  behold, 

Gleam'dthe  rich  boughs  with  fruit  of  bumish'd  gold. 
This  fruit  was  very  large  and  ponderous,  and  held  only  by  a  slen 
der  twig,  so  that  if  any  one  approached  the  tree,  the  branches  were 
shaken,  and  he  was  beat  to  the  ground  and  crushed  beneath  the 
•weight  of  the  heavy  fruit,  which  fell  on  every  side.  Orlando,  who 
was  apprised  of  the  danger,  formed  for  himself  a  kind  of  lattice 
work  covering,  from  the  interwoven  branches  of  elm  and  osier, 
and  covering  it  with  earth  and  moss,  placed  it  upon  his  head. — 
Guarded  in  this  manner,  he  approached  the  tree,  the  fruit  of  which 
showered  down  upon  him  in  such  quantities,  that  he  was  scarcely 
able  to  support  himself  beneath  the  weight.  When  he  came  up 
to  it  with  one  stroke  of  his  sword  he  separated  the  trunk,  and 
the  tree  fell. 

A  violent  earthquake  ensued,  the  sky  was  obscured  with  clouds, 
thick  darkness  shut  the  surrounding  scenery  from  his  sight,  and 
amidst  the  gloom  arose  a  large  and  resplendent  fire.  At  length 
the  earthquake  ceased,  the  darkness  was  dissipated,  and  the  sky 
again  became  serene  :  but  the  wall  and  the  garden  had  entirely 
disappeared,  nor  was  there  a  vestige  of  the  fountain  or  the  pa 
lace  left.  The  lady  alone  was  to  be  seen,  still  bound  to  the  tree, 
bitterly  lamenting  the  destruction  of  her  garden. 

She  no  longer  persevered  in  her  former  obstinate  silence,  but 
ih-a  mild  voice,  thus  addressed  herself  to  Orlando. — .<  Valiant 


NOTES.  5Y 

V»t 

'  knight,   I  am  conscious  that  I  deserve  death,  shouldst  thou  now 

'  inflict  that  punishment  on  me,  thou  wouldst  in  my  fate  involve  that 
(  of  many  valiant  knights  and  damsels  who  are  my  prisoners. 
4  Know  then  that  I  contrived  this  garden,  which  required  the  ut- 
'  most  exertion  of  my  skill  for  seven  months,  in  order  to  revenge 

*  myself  for  the  injuries  I  had  received  from  a  knight  called  Arri- 
4  antes,  and  a  damsel  who  is  named  Origilla  :  I  shall  not  detain  you 
'  with  a  relation  of  their  villainy,   but  shall  only  observe  that  nei* 

*  ther  of  them  have  fallen  into  my  hands.  Many  captives  have  been 
'  taken  at  this  garden,  but  much  the  greatest  number  have  been 
'  sent  to  me  from  abridge  which  I  caused  to  be  built  over  a  large 

*  river,  and  gave  it  in  keeping  to  a  crafty  old  man,  who  allured 
'  many  thither,  and  such  was  the  device,  that  whosoever  came  was 
1  sure  to  be  taken.   He  has  a  number  at  present  in  his  possession, 
'  and  such  is  the  nature  of  the  spell,  that  were  you  to  kill  me,  the 
'  bridge  and  tower  would  disappear,  and  they  would  all  perish. 
'  But  if  you  will   consent  to    release  me,  I  solemnly  promise 
«  you  that  I  will  set  at  liberty  those  prisoners  ;    and  if  you  cannot 
'  confide  in  my  word,  take  me  with  you,  released,  or  bound  as  I 
'  am,    and  I  will   free  the   prisoners  and    destroy    the    tower 
'  and   bridge   in    your   presence.-— —Take   then   your   choice, 
'  either  of  destroying  them  with  me,  or  of  permitting  them  to 
'  escape.'  The  Count,  who  was  far  from  wishing  to   put  her  to 
death,  released  her,  and  desirous  to  free  the  prisoners,  depart1- 
ed  with  her  for  the  bridge. 


56  NOTES. 

(2)  The  t*WQ  brave  friends  and  Jtmon's  valiant  son.—-  Rinaldo  hav* 
ing  left  Albracca,  accompanied  by  Astolpho,  and  the  two  friends 
Iroldo  and  Prasildo,  Saracen  knights,  whom  he  had  released  from 
the  guards  of  Falerina,  on  his  journey  met  with  a  damsel  who 
was  weeping  bitterly ;  she  implored  their  aid  to  preserve  her  sister 
from  a  cruel  robber  who  had  seized  her,  stripped  her  of  her  gar 
ments,  and  bound  her  to  a  tree,  where  he  whipped  her  in  the  most 
barbarous  manner.  The  knights  fired  with  indignation  at  this  sto 
ry,  followed  the  damsel,  who  conducted  them  to  the  bridge  of  the 
Lake,  beyond  which,  in  the  meadow,  bound  to  a  cypress,  she 
shewed  them  her  unfortunate  sister,  whom  the  ruffian  still  continu 
ed  to  scourge. 

Iroldo  dismounted  the  first,  and  passed  the  bridge,  the  wicket 
being  too  narrow  to  admit  a  horse.  When  the  robber  saw  him,  he 
quitted  the  damsel,  and  taking  his  iron  mace,  soon  extended  him 
io  the  ground  ;  after  which  he  took  him  up,  and  carrying  him  to- 
the  lake  threw  him  in.  Prasildo,  who  thus  saw  himself  deprived 
of  a  friend  whom  he  loved  with  the  sincerest  affection,  solicited 
Rinaldo,  who  had  prepared  himself  for  the  combat,  with  so 
much  earnestness,  to  permit  him  ta  revenge  his  friend,  that  he 
yielded  to  his  request ;  but  he  had  no  better  success  than  his  com 
panion,  he  was  beat  to  the  earth  by  the  robber,  and  thrown  into 
the  lake. 

Rinaldo,  filled  with  the  sincerest  regret  for  the  loss  of  these  af 
fectionate  friends,  then  passed  the  bridge,  and  began  a  furious  conr 


NOTES.  59 

bat  with  the  robber,  the  contest  was  long  and  arduous  ;  the 
knight  sought  in  vain  to  slay  his  enemy  as  he  was  secured  from  harm 
by  enchanted  armour  which  was  impenetrable  to  his  blows  ;  the 
robber  on  his  side,  in  vain  sought  to  strike  the  knight  with  his  pon 
derous  mace,  for  such  was  his  vigilance  and  activity,  that  he  con 
stantly  eluded  his  strokes.  At  last  tired  of  this  fruitless  contention, 
he  threw  his  mace  at  the  champion  with  such  just  aim  that  he 
struck  him  transversely  with  the  massy  weapon,  and  dashed  his 
shield  in  pieces.  Such  was  the  violence  of  the  blow,  that  Rinaldo 
fell,  though  he  soon  recovered  his  feet ;  but  scarcely  had  he  arisen, 
when  the  robber  rushed  upon  him,  and  seizing  him  round  the  bo 
dy,  ran  with  him  to  the  lake,  intending  to  throw  him  in 
as  he  had  done  the  others.  Rinaldo  however,  struggled  so 
forcibly,  and  held  him  so  fast,  that  finding  that  he  could  not  disen 
gage  himself  from  his  grasp,  he  sprung  with  him  into  the  water. 
Astolpho,  the  mournful  witness  of  the  fate  of  his  companions 
then  came  into  the  meadow,  and  after  waiting  in  vain  for  some 
time  for  the  reappearance  of  the  robber,  and  bitterly  lamenting 
the  loss  of  his  friend  Rinaldo,  released  the  damsel  who  was  bound 
to  the  tree,  and  departed,  taking  with  him  Bayafdo,  the  horse  of 
Rinaldo. 

(3)  Rinaldo,  the  son  of  Amon,  and  cousin  of  Orlando,  was  one 
of  the  most  renowned  Paladins  of  the  Court  of  Charlemagne,  and 
in  prowess  and  wonderful  achievements,  scarcely  inferior  to  Or* 
lando. 


$q  NOTES. 

(4)  Suffice  to  «ay,  a  knight  who  thither  came.—- An  adventure  of 
Orlando,  evidently  copied  from  the  stories  of  Jason  and  Cadmus 
In  one  of  Orlando's  excursions,  a  lady,  came  up  to  him  seated  on 
a  palfrey,  whose  trappings  were  of  silk,  she  had  in  her  hand  a 
book,  and  suspended  to  her  neck  a  horn  of  most  beautiful  work' 
manship,  it  was  white  ornamented  with  gold  and  coloured  en 
amel  and  set  with  precious  stones.  She  informed  Orlando  that  if 
he  was  disposed  to  undertake  the  achievement  of  the  most  brilliant 
adventure  that  had  ever  employed  the  valour  of  a  knight,  he  must 
sound  the  horn  which  she  had  with  her  three  times.  The  adven 
ture  consisted  in  killing  a  monstrous  dragon,  in  subduing  and  yo 
king  two  furious  bulls,  and  in  ploughing  with  them  a  certain  quan 
tity  of  land  and  sowing  it  with  the  dragon's  teeth,  from  which  a 
crop  of  armed  men  would  arise,  and  lastly  in  destroying  these 
enemies. 

After  much  fatigue  and  hazard,  the  knight  achieved  this  ad 
venture,  when  the  lady  offered  to  furnish  him  with  the  means  of  ta 
king  a  white  stag,  belonging  to  Morgana,  the  fairy  of  riches,  which 
was  so  fleet  as  to  defy  pursuit,  and  had  horns  of  gold,  which  he 
shed  and  renewed  six  times  each  day.  Butthe  knight,  declined  the 
offer,  as  he  had  but  little  regard  for  wealth,  glory  being  the  idol 
of  his  pursuit.  . 

(5)  Though  late  by  love  bewildering,  led  astray. — This  passage 
alludes  to  a  furious  combat  between  Orlando  and  Rinaldo,  at  the 
siege  of  Albracca,  whither  the  former  had  gone  as  the  champion  of 


NOTES.  61 

Angelica,  against  Agrican  and  the  other  knights  who  had  besieged 
her.  Rinaldo,  who  after  he  had  drank  at  the  enchanted  fountain 
of  Merlin,  had  conceived  the  most  violent  hatred  for  Angelica, 
joined  himself  to  her  enemies,  and  fought  against  her  with  the 
bitterest  animosity. 

After  the  battle  between  the  two  knights,  Angelica,  appre 
hensive  for  the  safety  of  Rinaldo,  whom  she  loved  with  an 
ardour  equal  to  his  hatred  of  her,  and  desirous  to  free  her 
self  of  an  importunate  suitor,  persuaded  Orlando  to  undertake 
the  adventure  of  the  garden  of  Falerina,  as  above  related. 


«  Where  Dudon  since  an  equal  fate  Jutd  found" — Seepage  3,  line  1. 
One  of  the  Paladins  or  twelve  Peers  of  Charlemagne.  The 
weapon  employed  by  this  redoubtable  champion  was  a  heavy 
mace,  which  he  wielded  with  so  much  dexterity  and  effect,  that 
he  from  thence  obtained  the  appellation  of  Dudon  of  the  mace. 

tt  Nor  Trrvigante^ nor  Alacon  here  avail"— See  page  8,  line  8. 
In  the  romances  of  chivalry  these  names  frequently  occur.    In 
those  writings  the  Saracens  are  uniformly  confounded  with  the 

:       ^9  '  -'~l 

Pagans,  and  represented  as  adoring  Macon  or  Mahound  (a  cor 
ruption  of  Mahomet)  Apollo  and  Trivigante ;  the  latter  rendered 
by  the  old  English  writers  Termagaunt,  whence  the  derivation  of 
that  word  as  applied  to  a  shrew.     What  were  the  particular  cha 
racter  and  attributes  of  this  god,  it  is,  I  presume,  at  present  diffi 
cult  to  define ;  but  from  an  extract  from  an  old  legend  of  Guy  of 
Warwick,  in  Bishop  Percy's  Reliques  of  ancient  Poetry,  it  would 
seem  as  if  the  romanceer  supposed  him  the  same  as  Apollo. 
"  So  help  me  Mahoune  of  might, 
And  Termigaunt  my  god  so  bright." 

As  the  writers  of  those  times,  however,  were  more  distinguish 
ed  for  their  abhorrence  of  Mahometanism,  than  a  knowledge  of 
its  tenets,  or  their  classical  learning,  it  was  not  unusual  for  them 


LE  FESTE  COLOMBIANE  A  MANCHESTER 


,   29  luglio: 

<  (PiETno  HAVA).  Al  par!  della  nostra  bella  e  superba 
Geneva,  la  ricca  e  manufatturiera  Manchester  voile,  il  27 
correnfe,  degnamcnte  celebrare  il  quarto  centeuario  della 
scoperta  d'America,  radunando  UQ  centinaio  d'iliustri  suoi 
figli  a  sontuoso  banchs  to.  Eravi  pure  presente  1'egregio 
cav.  Roberto  F,  oeliiich,  Rsgio  Console  ti'Italia  in  quella 
citla. 

Alle  frulta,  propinato  che  si  ebb3  in  onore  dell'Inghil- 
terra  e  dell'America,  d  ell'  i  minor  la  le  raemoria  di  Cristoforo 
Colombo  e  della  Societa  Geografica  di  Manchester,  generosa 
iuiziatrice  della  simpatica  festa,  il  presidente  del  banchetto 
lesse  una  comunicazioue  da  parte  dei:a  Societa  Geografica 
Italiana,  con  la  quale  questa  manifestava  11  desiderio  di 
essere  rappresenlata  a  quelle  feste  dal  citato  car.  Froehlich, 
ed  invitando  al  tempo  stesso  i  membri  della  Sociela  so- 
rella  a  voler  intervenire  alia  commemorazione  che  in  onore 
dello  stesso  Colombo  avra  luogo  a  Geneva  nel  prossimo 
selterabre. 

Lasciato  quindi  il  locale  del  banchetto  e  recaiisi  tutti  i 
commensali  al  Concert  Hall,  si  tenne  cola  una  publica  adu- 
nanza  per  udire  tre  interessanti  ed  elaborate  letlure  sulla 
vita  e  sui  tempi  del  celebre  navigatore  genovese. 

La  seconda  di  queste  letture  e  dovuta  al  noslro  stimato 
rappresenlante  consolare,  cav.  Froehlich,  il  quale,  e  dove- 
roso  il  dirlo,  mai  non  tralnseia  ne  tempo,  ne  mezzi,  ne 
fatiche  ondc  tener  alto  ed  onorato  il  nome  d'ltalia  in  quesle 
isole. 

Egli,  dopa  avere  lungamente  accennato  alle  condizioni 
d'Europa  in  generate  e  dell'Italia  in  particolare  nei  se- 
coli  X11I  e  XIV,  venne  a  parlare  della  potenza  marittima 
e  commerciale  di  Geneva,  che  era  allora  come  le  citla  di 
Manchester  e  Liverpool  riunite.  Le  sue  galere,  sotto  1'em- 
blema  di  San  Giorgio,  recavano  le  ricchezze  delle  lontane 
Indie,  deila  remota  Ciu;i  e  dsfli'Drieate  io  Ispagna,  in 
ghilterra,  nelle  Fiandre  e  nelte  altre  parti  del  Nord,  rit' 

nando  poscia  sui  loro  passi  c..r;cii.  iii  mercanzie  e  di  de- 
naro.  F^miglie  genovesi  impiantnrouo  a  Londra  cospicue 
Case  commercial!,  coslruondo  vasti  magazzini  sulle  rive  del 
Tamigi. 

Geneva,  Venezia  e  Firenze  furono  le  prime  comunita 
che  nel  XII  secolo  abbiano  elello  dei  propri  Consoli  nella 
Mctropoli  inglese;  non  fu  che  nel  1485,  che  I'lnghillerra 
§ot!o  liiccjnlo  III,  nomino  un  suo  Console  a  Firenze  nella 
persona  di  Lorenzo  Strozzi,  nome  ben  noto  a  tutti  i  visi- 
tatori  di  quella  citta  dei  fiori  e  fiore  di  tutte  le  citta. 

Mcrcanti  genovesi  ventieltero  perfino  navi  e  materiale  da 
guerra  a  Roberto  Bruce  per  combattere  contro  Edoordo  II; 
e  nel  13  iT,  per  far  froute  alle  sue  guerresche  imprese, 
Edoardo  III  noleggio  bastimenti  liguri,  (ogliendo  ancora 
ad  imprestito  milioni  da  Firenze,  milioni  che  Ira  paren- 


'<rf2- 


Proseguendp  poscia  ad  illustrate,  nella  sua  bellissiraa 
relazione,  quanto  maggiormoule  concerncva  allora  il  nostro 
pnese,  1'oratore  disse  die  in  aggiimt.i  agli  insegnamenti 
(lei  Genovesi  circa  le  intraprese  commercial!,  si  fu  nella 
Liguria  die  Chancer,  il  decano  del  poeli  inglesi,  strinse 
amicizia  col  noslro  PetrarcJ.  E  noa  e  qui  tutlo.  Orazio 
I'dllavicini  parli  da  Genova  per  I'In-'hilterra,  ove  la  Regina 
Maria  lo  nomino  collettore  delle  tasse  papali,  di  cui  egli, 
da  vcro  gcnovese  attivo  e  scallro,  sepps  si  b-ne  approfit- 
tare.  da  essore  poi  in  grado  d'imprestare  forti  somme  alia 
Regina  Elisabelta.  Venuto  a  morire,  la  sua  vedova  spos6 
1'avolo  del  Protetlore;  tre  giovani  Pallavicini  passarono  a 
nozze  con  Ire  ragazze  della  fainiglia  di  Cromwell,  ed  il 
grande  Oliviero  slesso  ricevclte  la  benedizione  da  una  zia 
e  due  zii  genovesi.  Nessuna  meraviglia  quindi  cii'egli  sen- 
tisse  si  viva  afiezione  per  la  ligure  Republica. 

11  cav.  Froetilich  passo  poi  a  discorrere  di  Riccardo  Cuor 
di  Leone,  ch",  imbircalosi  per  la  sua  crociata  nelLi  Pa- 
leslina  su  galore  genovesi  sotlo  i  vessilli  deila  Croce  Rossa 
e  di  San  Giorgio,  scelse  al  suo  rilorno  quest'ultimo,  come 
patrouo  della  vecchia  Inghillerra.  E  si  i'n  appunto  circa 
1'epoca  delta  caduta  di  Coslantinopoli  nelle  maui  dei  Turchi 
e  della  perdila  delle  provincie  nel  mar  Nero  da  parte  dei 
Genovesi,  die  nacque  Cristoforo  Colombo,  a  proposito  della 
controversia  sul  luogo  di  nascita  del  qnale,  esisle  il  suo 
testamenlo  aulograib  in  cui  egli  raccomanda  ai  proprii 
eredi  di  «  lavorare  per  1'cnore  e  la  prcsj.erila  di  Genova, 
e  di  fare  ogni  loro  possa  allo  scopo  di  conservare  la  posi- 
zione  ed  aumentare  il  benessere  della  R^publ  ci.  > 

E  qui  il  nostro  bravo  console,  ioterrotto  piu  volte  da 
cordiaii  ed  unanimi  applausi,  si  diffuse  a  lungo  sul  pro- 
foudo  e  caldo  amorc  ogoora  nutrito  da  Colombo  pel  suo 
suolo  nalio ;  accenno  al  potente  sistema  bancarlo  di  Ge 
nova,  distrutlo  al  fiue  dall'invasione  austriac.i  e  dalla  Ri- 
voluzione  francese  del  1789;  ed  asserendo  die  la  gloriosa 
capitale  della  L'guria  e  uua  delle  citta  piu  ieali  ed  affe- 
ziooale  all'augusla  Cisa  di  Sivuia,  fioi  col  dire  die  la  ve- 
tusta  e  patrioltica  Genova  nobilmente  sta  ora  disputando 
con  Marsiglia  i'oaorevole  e  pacifica  preponderanza  nel  Me- 
diterraneo. 

E  cosi,  se  da  un  lato  la  Societa  Geografica  Italiana  nou 
poleva  essere  piu  felice  nella  scelta  del  suo  rappresentante 
alle  fes'e  Colombiane  di  Manchester,  dall'altro  lato  poi, 
alb  molte  e  sognalate  benemerenzj  gia  acquistatesi  dal 
Rcgio  Console  d'ltalia  in  delta  c'.tla  per  |e  sue  asseunate 
e  continue  relazioni  al  uoslro  Minisfero  degli  Esteri,  per 
j^romuovere  e  sviluppare  i  nostri  scambi  cou  questo  ricco 
e  potente  paese,  ci  e  d'  uopo  aggiunger^liene  ora  un'altra 
per  far  Qgli,  coa  tanto  zelo,  mlelligenz.i  ed  amore,  qui  co- 
noscere  ed  apprezzare  i  nostri  uo;niai  e  le  nostre  cose.  > 


ADDITIONAL   NOTES.  63 

« 

to  apply  similar  attributes  to  distinct  mythological  characters,  and 
those  which  were  opposite  and  discordant  to  the  same  deities. 

"  With  Brandimarte  since  them  a  firis'ner  made"— See  p.  19, 1.  16. 
Brandimarte  was  the  companion  and  bosom-friend  of  Orlando, 
by  whom  he  had  been  converted  to  Christianity.  The  loves  of 
this  amiable  hero  and  his  wife,  the  tender  and  beautiful  Florde- 
lisa,  form  a  very  interesting  part  both  of  the  Inamorato  and  Furi- 
oso ;  and  his  adventure  at  the  sepulchre  of  the  Fairy  is  one  of 
the  most  pleasing  stories  contained  in  the  former — an  abbreviation 
of  which  in  prose  has  been  given  to  the  public  by  the  author  of  that 
elegant  poem,  the  Lay  of  the  last  Minstrel,  in  one  of  the  notes 
to  his  learned  and  interesting  work,  the  Minstrelsy  of  the  Scottish 
Border.  As  a  happy  exemplification  of  the  manner  of  Bemi,  of  his 
mixture  of  the  grave  and  ludicrous,  and  occasional  felicity  of 
expression,  the  translator  offers  the  following  short  passage  from 
that  story  ....Having  overcome  a  giant  of  a  very  singular  form,  and 
a  knight,  after  a  long  and  bloody  conflict,  he  is  accosted  by  a  lady, 
and  directed,  as  the  only  means  of  extricating  himself  from  the 
castle  in  which  he  finds  himself  inclosed,  to  remove  the  covering 
from  a  marble  sepulchre,  and  to  kiss  the  first  object  which  should 
present  itself.  The  knight  removes  the  massy  stone — a  ser 
pent  of  hideous  appearance  immediately Taises  itself  in  the  tomb, 
and  opening  its  mouth,  hisses  aloud  and  shews  its  formidable 
fangs.  Brandimarte  draws  back,  and  claps  his  hand  to  his  sword, 
but  the  lady  with  a  fearful  countenance  and  trembling  voice  calls 


W  ADDITIONAL,  NOTES. 

to  him  to  desist,  assuring  him  that  an  attempt  to  injure  the  serpent 
would  prove  their  mutual  destruction,  and  exhorting  him  to  kiss 
it  as  the  only  means  of  safety.  "  What!  (said  the  warrior)  do  you 
not  see  how  she  grins  and  shews  her  teeth,  which  look  as  if  they 
were  formed  on  purpose  to  bite  off  noses,  and  makes  such  a  hide 
ous  step-mother's  face  at  me,  that  it  is  enough  to  frighten  one  ? 
On  the  contrary  (replied  the  lady)  she  invites  you  with  a  benig 
nant  countenance,  approach  her,  be  not  afraid,  nor  do  as  many 
•thers  have  here  done,  sacrifice  your  life  to  your  fears. 
The  knight  again  slowly  approached,  as  this  kind  of  kissing  had, 
in  his  opinion,  very  little  to  recommend  it,  but  as  he  inclined 
himself  towards  the  serpent,  she  appeared  so  fierce  and  horrible 
that  his  blood  was  chilled,  his  face  became  as  cold  as  a  stone,  and 
he  thus  said  to  himself.  If  I  am  destined  to  perish  here,  it 
may  be  as  well  another  time  as  now,  but  at  any  rate  I  am  resolved 
that  I  will  not  contribute  to  it  myself.  Would  I  were  as  sure  of 
going  to,  heaven,  as  I  am  that,  should  I  incline  myself  a  little 
more,  this  monster  would  spring  at  my  face,  and  catch  me  by 
my  nose  or  some  other  part.  I  see  how  it  is  others  have  been 
caught  by  this  same  trick ;  and  the  lady  has  given  me  this  coun 
sel  in  revenge  foi  the  death  of  the  knight  whom  I  have  slain. 
Thus  saying  he  began  to  retire,  resolved  no  more  to  approach 
the  tomb.  The  lady  perceiving  this,  was  filled  with  despair,  and 
thus  reproached  him,  "  Ah  !  coward,  what  wouldst  thou  do  ? 
Why  art  thou  so  base  of  heart  ?  a  baseness  which  will  most  surely 


ADDITIONAL  NOTES.  65 

end  in  thy  destruction.  O  thou  of  exceeding  fear  and  of  little 
faith,  the  path  of  safety  is  open  to  thee,  but  thou  believest  me 
not !  Animated  by  this  cutting  reproach,  the  knight  again  re 
turned  to  the  sepulchre,  and  his  fear  changing  into  shame,  the 
hue  of  the  violet  became  tinged  with  the  colour  of  the  rose. 
He  yet  hesitated  for  a  moment,  alternately  prompted  by  fear 
and  hope.  At  length  impelled  by  a  desperate  courage,  he  drew 
near  and  kissed  the  serpent ;  cold  to  the  touch  as  ice  was  her 
mouth,  which  had  before  appeared  like  fire.  The  serpent  imme 
diately  began  to  change,  and  by  degrees  assumed  the  figure  of 
a  damsel." 

"  From  taking  booty  to  supply  our  needs." — See  p.  37,  L  18. 

This  trait  is  in  exact  conformity  with  the  character  of  Rinaldo, 
as  described  in  the  old  romances.  In  the  combat  between  him 
and  Orlando  at  the  siege  of  Albracca,  before  noticed,  the  latter 
reproaches  him  with  his  robberies.  And  at  the  burning  of  Don 
Quixote's  Library,  Cervantes  makes  the  curate  say,  that "  Signor 
Rinaldo  de  Montalban  and  his  companions  were  greater  thieves 
than  Cacus." 


GLOSSARY. 


Betide,  to  befal,  to  happen  to. 

Durance,    confinement,    imprisonment. 

Erst,  formerly,  long  since,  before. 

Fare,  to  go,  to  travel,  to  be  in  any  state  good  or  bad. 

fated,  secured  by  enchantment,  or  gifted  with  the  property 
of  being  invulnerable  or  impenetrable  ;  or  when  applied  to  a 
weapon,  as  in  the  present  instance,  endued  by  magic  with  the 
power  of  piercing  or  cleaving  the  hardest  substances.  This 
word  is  probably  derived  from  the  Italian  Fata,  a  Fairy, 
as  in  the  popular  traditions  of  almost  every  European  nation,  the 
fairies  are  supposed  to  have  possessed  the  skill  of  fabricating  ar 
mour  and  weapons  of  this  description,  which  they  were  accustomed 
to  bestow  upon  those  champions,  who  were  so  fortunate  as  to  obtain 
their  favour.  The  Scandinavian  mythology  had  also  its  elves  or 
duergars,  a  species  of  being  in  most  respects  resembling  the 
fairy,  and  endued  with  the  same  wonderful  art  of  framing 
charmed  swords  and  impenetrable  armour.  See  the  very  inge 
nious  dissertation  of  Walter  Scott,  Esq.  on  the  fairies  of  popular 
superstition,  prefixed  to  the  tale  of  Tamlin,  in  the  second  volume 
pf  Border  Minstrelsy. 


GLOSSARY.  67 

Faun,  in  its  common  acceptation,  a  sylvan  deity,  one  of  the 
attendants  of  Pan.  For  what  reason  the  author  has  given  this  ap 
pellation  to  this  monster,  who  seems  to  have  been  the  prototype 
of  Milton's  Sin,  it  is  somewhat  difficult  to  determine. 

Fay  (from  theFrench,  Fee}  a  Fairy. 

Guise,  manner,  external  appearance. 

Lore,  learning,  doctrine,  instruction. 

Lothly,    loathsome. 

Losel,    a  worthless  fellow,    a  vagabond. 

Passing,  exceeding,  surpassing  in  point  of  excellence. 

Perforce,   of  necessity. 

Reck  to  regard,  to  care  for. 

Sudnuss,  humbly,  with  submission. 

S/ioil,   to  despoil,  to  strip,  to  plunder. 

Trenchant,  sharp,   cutting. 

habitation,  place  of  accustomed  resort. 


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